The Story of Peleg: A Turning Point in Humanity’s History

Who Was Peleg in the Bible?

Peleg is noted in the Bible as an ancestor of Abraham, appearing in the genealogical record of Genesis 10:25, which places him within the lineage of Shem and the broader narrative of human dispersion.

Genesis 10:25 states, 'To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; his brother's name was Joktan.' This brief mention situates Peleg within the biblical timeline of nations emerging after the flood, emphasizing his role as a pivotal link in the ancestry leading to Abraham.

Peleg's Role in the Genealogy of the Nations

Peleg occupies a pivotal position in the post-Flood genealogy of Genesis 10:25, linking the Shemite lineage to Abraham while marking a significant moment in human dispersion.

Genesis 10:25 states, 'To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; his brother's name was Joktan.' This places Peleg within the generations following the Flood, serving as a bridge between early human history and the patriarchal narratives. The phrase 'the earth was divided' likely refers to the scattering of nations after Babel, though its exact connection to Peleg remains a subject of scholarly discussion.

While the precise nature of this division is debated, it underscores Peleg's role in a transitional era of human history. His lineage ultimately leads to Abraham, anchoring him within the broader biblical narrative of covenant and divine purpose.

What We Can Learn From Peleg

Peleg’s brief mention in Genesis 10:25 - 'in his days the earth was divided' - serves as a theological marker of humanity’s scattering after the Flood and the Lord’s orchestration of nations.

This division, often linked to the events at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), underscores God’s sovereign control over human history, even as human pride and rebellion lead to fragmentation. Peleg’s genealogy thus highlights how divine providence guides the spread of peoples, setting the stage for the covenant with Abraham and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes.