📅 April 26, 2025
📖 DAILY BIBLE READING
✨ Genesis 10 – The Table of Nations: Noah’s Descendants and the Spread of the Peoples
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📜 Bible Text – Genesis 10 (King James Version)
1 Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood.
2 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
3 And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.
4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
6 And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.
7 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
8 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.
10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,
12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.
13 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,
14 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.
15 And Canaan begat Sidon his first born, and Heth,
16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
17 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
20 These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.
21 Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.
22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
23 And the children of Aram; Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash.
24 And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber.
25 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.
26 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,
27 And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,
28 And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,
29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.
31 These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.
32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.
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📚 Explanation & Context
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🟦 Introduction
Genesis 10 is often called “The Table of Nations.” It serves as a unique historical record of how humanity spread across the earth after the Flood. This chapter shows how the nations of the world developed from Noah’s three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—not merely as a list of names, but as part of God’s plan for reordering the post-Flood world.
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🟨 Commentary:
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Japheth (vv. 2–5)
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His descendants settle primarily in the northern and western regions (Europe and parts of Asia).
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The mention of languages and islands points to ethnic and geographic diversity.
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Ham (vv. 6–20)
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His line includes African and Canaanite tribes.
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Nimrod stands out: a powerful leader who founded the first kingdoms (including Babel).
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Key centers: Shinar (Babylon) and Asshur (Assyria).
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Shem (vv. 21–31)
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Father of the Semitic peoples, especially the line of Eber from which Abraham comes.
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The name Peleg (“Division”) hints at a major event—likely the Tower of Babel.
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Conclusion (v. 32)
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Emphasizes that this genealogy covers all the known nations of that era, organized by language, land, and family.
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🟩 Summary:
Genesis 10 is a genealogical map of post-Flood humanity. It shows how God imposed order on the new world. The story begins with God’s blessing on Noah’s family, features Nimrod as a symbol of worldly power, and points ahead in Shem’s line to Israel and the Messiah.
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🟥 Message for Us Today
📌 Every person is part of a grand story that begins with Noah.
🔍 God sees not only the individual but also nations, languages, and cultures—and He blesses diversity.
🕊️ Despite scattering and differences, God’s plan endures: humanity is to multiply, live in justice, and give glory to God.
🛋️ Let this remind you: even if you’re “just” a name on a list, you’re woven into God’s plan. He knows your place in His story.
📐 “These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.” (Genesis 10:32)
🌿 God brings order out of chaos. Let Him draw the lines in your life, too.
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📆 April 20-26, 2025
📆 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 1
✨ Why was Sin Permitted?
📖 Read online here
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🟦 Introduction
The question, “Why was Sin Permitted?” touches the core of the Great Controversy between good and evil. In chapter 1 of Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen White explores the origins of this cosmic conflict.
She shows that the origin of sin is not found in God, but in the misuse of free will by a created being – Lucifer, once the highest of angels. Though creation was perfect, God granted every being freedom of choice, for true love cannot be forced.
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🟨 Commentary
🔹 1. God’s Nature: Love as the Foundation of the Universe
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“God is love” (1 John 4:16) – the core of His law and government.
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His rule is based on freedom, justice, and grace.
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All intelligent beings were joyful in obedience as long as love reigned.
🔹 2. Lucifer’s Fall: Abuse of Freedom
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Lucifer, the “Morning Star,” was full of glory and wisdom.
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Pride and self-exaltation led to rebellion.
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He desired equality with Christ and sought worship due only to God.
🔹 3. The Beginning of Rebellion
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Lucifer disguised his intentions and sowed seeds of doubt.
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He questioned God’s law and authority under the guise of “freedom.”
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Many angels were confused; some deceived, others remained loyal.
🔹 4. God’s Patience and Warning
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God offered Lucifer mercy and a way back.
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But Lucifer refused to confess his wrong and grew hardened.
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He even claimed it was too late for forgiveness – another lie.
🔹 5. God’s Wisdom in Allowing Sin
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God did not destroy Satan instantly.
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He allowed sin to develop, so all beings could see its consequences.
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Only then could God’s law be fully justified and rebellion prevented forever.
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🟩 Summary
This chapter teaches:
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God created perfect beings with free will.
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Sin began with Lucifer, who exalted himself.
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God’s law is an expression of His love – not arbitrary.
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Sin was permitted to reveal its true nature.
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The Great Controversy affects all creation – not just humanity.
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🟥 Message for Us Today
📌 Today we are also caught in the midst of the Great Controversy.
Pride, rebellion, and self-justification are still Satan’s tools.
👉 What does this mean for you?
🔍 Trust God’s character, even when you don’t understand everything.
❤️ Choose obedience from love, not compulsion.
✨ God’s patience with Lucifer shows His mercy to you, too.
🛡️ Be watchful – Satan still uses half-truths and pride to deceive.
🙏 Turn to God while the door of grace is still open.
📜 “Justice and judgment are the foundation of His throne; mercy and truth go before His face.” (Psalm 89:14)
🌿 The origin of sin doesn’t show God’s weakness – it reveals His infinite wisdom, patience, and love.
That same love calls you today – to be part of His Kingdom, freely and fully.
