Among Joktan's sons are Hadoram, Uzal, and Diklah. Uzal is associated with Sana'a, the ancient capital of Yemen. The identification of these specific geographical locations — even through debated associations — affirms the historical character of the table. The Table of Nations is not a mythological organizing principle but an attempt to account for the actual peoples of the ancient world known to its original authors. Isaiah 60:6 pictures the wealth of nations — including those from the Arabian Peninsula — coming to Jerusalem to glorify God. Joktan's descendants are among those who will one day bring their gifts to the LORD's house. The table that seems like a dry list of names is actually the preliminary guest list for the great ingathering of Isaiah 60's vision.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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