“And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.”
Eber has two sons: Peleg (in whose time the earth was divided) and Joktan. The parenthetical note about Peleg — 'for in his time the earth was divided' — is one of the most intriguing details in the Table of Nations. The 'division' likely refers to the dispersal at Babel described in Genesis 11:1–9, which immediately follows this table. The name Peleg means 'division' or 'channel.' The note situates the Table of Nations in relationship to the Babel event: the diversity of nations described in chapter 10 is the result of the division described in chapter 11, even though they are presented in reverse order. Luke 3:35 includes Peleg in Jesus' genealogy. The application: the diversity of nations and languages — which began in judgment at Babel — becomes, at Pentecost, the occasion for the gospel to reach every language simultaneously. What was divided in judgment is gathered in grace.
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