S) "19 Two sons were born to Eber, the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan."
1 Chronicles 1:19 (NASB)
O) So, the primary purpose of this whole chapter is historical documentation of genealogy. But, buried in the middle of it all, there is a small commentary about one of the people. Peleg was so named, because the earth was divided in his days. A little research shows that Peleg is only mentioned here, in 1 Chronicles 1, and in the genealogy in Genesis 10 and 11. In Genesis 10:25, there's a footnote saying Peleg means "division," apparently. In Genesis 11:12-18, we have a bit more detail about dates and times. He was born only 101 years after The Flood, and lived 239 years. And, here is the part where the picture really starts coming together... Nestled between the introduction to that genealogy (end of Genesis 10), and this detail, there is the story of the Tower of Babel, in Genesis 11:1-9. So then, we have the Flood subside, all of the world still used a single language (makes sense, being so close to The Flood), but then their speech is confused, and then we have a man who is named "Division." When all of this is put together, in the past, it might be considered, that this is some kind of mythos, to show why there are different languages on different continents. Then, I read/learn a little something about Pangaea, and things really start to click. Generally speaking, I think that modern science sees a lot of evidence for things that actually happened, especially things that are in the Bible, but the events have been down-played, marginalized, displaced in time (in estimation, truly), or else otherwise ignored.
A) In the end, it's tough to put a lot of significance to this idea. But, I also believe the LORD is intentional, especially with something so important as His holy Word. It's easy for me to summarize this verse along with this chapter, to say that God wanted it included for the sake of the genealogy itself. But then, I wonder, why would it be important to include the definition of Peleg's name? The practical truth, is that this theory cannot be proven scientifically (and neither can the general scientific consensus, hence "theory" used a lot), but this is a clue that God left, that makes us wonder. So, what I need to do with a verse like this, is continue to worship God as infinitely beyond me. He has a completely different view of the world, than any of us who dwell on it, could. He has a superior understanding of time, than any of us who dwell in it, could. .
P) Father, thank You for intriguing me. Little clues like this remind me how far beyond You are, and yet You leave "bread crumbs" that draw me toward You in complete awe. Your mysteries are impossible for me to fathom alone, for mankind to ever understand. Then You gave us the Holy Spirit, to understand according to Your will. Continue to draw me in, mystery by mystery, to understand You more little by little, even with things as insignificant as the history of this planet. With everything I learn, let me become more and more rapt by Your glory, LORD. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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