Genesis 10:28 - Descendants of Shem's lineage?

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Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־עוֹבָל וְאֶת־אֲבִימָאֵל וְאֶת־שְׁבָא׃

English Translation

and ῾Oval, and Avima᾽el, and Sheva,

Transliteration

Ve-et-oval ve-et-avima'el ve-et-sheva

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־עוֹבָ֥ל וְאֶת־אֲבִֽימָאֵ֖ל וְאֶת־שְׁבָֽא׃

Parasha Commentary

Names and Lineage in the Verse

The verse lists three individuals: Oval, Avima'el, and Sheva. These names appear in Bereishit (Genesis 10:28) as descendants of Shem through Yoktan, indicating their place within the genealogy of early nations. Rashi notes that these names represent tribes or nations rather than just individuals, as was common in biblical genealogies.

Historical and Geographical Context

According to the Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit Rabbah 37:7), the descendants of Yoktan, including Oval, Avima'el, and Sheva, settled in the southern Arabian Peninsula. The Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that these names correspond to ancient Arabian tribes known for their trade and regional influence.

Oval (עוֹבָל): Some commentators associate this name with a region rich in spices and incense, possibly linked to trade routes mentioned in later Tanach passages (e.g., Yechezkel 27:22).
Avima'el (אֲבִימָאֵל): The Targum Yonatan interprets this as "father of a nation," indicating a tribal leader whose descendants formed a distinct people.
Sheva (שְׁבָא): Often connected with the kingdom of Sheba, known from the story of the Queen of Sheba in Melachim I (Kings 10:1). The Talmud (Bava Batra 15b) references Sheva as a land of wealth and wisdom.

Spiritual Significance

The Malbim explains that listing these names emphasizes the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Noach that his descendants would spread across the earth (Bereishit 9:19). Each name represents a unique contribution to human civilization, whether through commerce, governance, or wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are Obal, Avima'el, and Sheva mentioned in Genesis 10:28?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, Obal, Avima'el, and Sheva were descendants of Yaktan (Joktan), who was from the line of Shem. They were early tribal leaders or founders of nations in the ancient world. The Torah lists them to trace the genealogy of humanity after the Flood.

Q: Why does the Torah list these names in Genesis 10?
A: The Torah lists these names to document the spread of humanity after the Flood, showing how Noah's descendants populated different regions. As Rambam explains, these genealogies establish the roots of nations and help us understand later biblical narratives. The Sages teach that every name in Torah has significance for Jewish history.

Q: What can we learn from the mention of these ancient names today?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) derives from these genealogies that every nation has its unique role in Hashem's plan. Jewish tradition teaches that recognizing all humanity descends from common ancestors should inspire us to respect all people while maintaining our distinct Jewish identity and mission.