Genesis 10

The Explanation

Noah had three sons. Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The flood was over. The water was gone. The ground was dry again.

Now the sons of Noah got children. And those children got children too.

So many children! Little babies, then big boys and girls, then papas and mamas themselves.

They had names like Gomer, and Cush, and Elam. Funny names, long names, names from far away.

One of the grandchildren was named Nimrod. He was strong. Very strong. He liked to hunt, out in the fields, with the wind in his hair.

The families grew and grew. Some stayed by the sea. Some went to the mountains. Some built cities with tall walls.

One boy was named Peleg. His name means "the earth was split." Because that is when families spread out, far and wide, over hills and rivers and sand.

What Does This Mean?

That is a whole lot of names. Maybe your head feels dizzy.

But listen. Every single name was a real person. A real boy. A real girl. Someone with a mama who held them close.

God knew every one. He did not forget a single name. Not one.

The earth became big and full. Full of families. Full of little houses, and cooking fires, and children running outside.

God saw it all.

The Common Thread

Long before this, God said something to Noah's family. Grow. Have children. Fill the earth.

That is just what happened. So many families! So many people!

And later, from one of these families, from Shem, a very special baby would one day be born. A baby named Jesus.

God was already watching over all those names. He was quietly getting ready for the day His own Son would come.

For You

You have a name too. Your mama and papa know it. They say it when they call you for supper.

God knows your name too. He knew it before you were even born.

Just like He knew Nimrod's name, and Peleg's name, and all the others.

You are not just one name in a big long list. God sees you.

Talk About It

Can you say your own name out loud?

Do you think God knows your name too?

Praying Together

Dear God, Thank You for my name. Thank You that You know me. Thank You for my family. Amen.