A Catholic Bible Study — Understanding the Origins of the Nations, the Descendants of Noah, Nemrod and Babylon, God’s Providence and the Universal Mission of the Church
Introduction: How Did the Nations of the World Begin?
In Genesis Chapter 1, we discovered that God created heaven and earth and that everything He made was good.
In Genesis Chapter 2, we saw that God created man and woman for friendship with Himself.
In Genesis Chapter 3, we learned how Adam and Eve disobeyed God and lost their original holiness.
In Genesis Chapter 4, we saw how sin spread through the human family when Cain murdered Abel.
In Genesis Chapter 5, we followed the generations from Adam to Noah, learning about the consequences of sin, the reality of death and God’s continuing faithfulness.
In Genesis Chapter 6, we discovered that human wickedness had become widespread. The earth was filled with corruption and violence, and God announced that He would send a great Flood.
In Genesis Chapter 7, the Flood came. But Noah and his family were preserved within the ark.
In Genesis Chapter 8, God remembered Noah. The waters gradually disappeared, the ark came to rest, and Noah emerged into a renewed world. His first recorded act was to offer sacrifice in thanksgiving.
In Genesis Chapter 9, God blessed Noah and his sons, renewed humanity’s responsibility for creation and established His covenant with all living creatures.
The rainbow became the visible sign of His promise.
We also learned about the differing behaviour of Noah’s sons and the blessings pronounced upon Sem and Japheth.
Now we come to Genesis Chapter 10.
At first, this chapter may appear to be another long list of unfamiliar names.
It tells us about the children, grandchildren and later descendants of Noah.
It describes the beginnings of nations and the places where different peoples settled.
For many readers, it might seem like a chapter to read quickly or even skip.
But Sacred Scripture includes these genealogies for an important reason.
Genesis Chapter 10 teaches us that the nations of the world belong to one human family, created by one God and included within His providential plan.
After the Flood, humanity begins to multiply and spread across the earth.
Families become larger.
Communities develop.
Peoples settle in different regions.
Kingdoms and cities begin to appear.
The world becomes increasingly populated.
Yet this growth also brings new dangers.
Human pride has not disappeared.
Some people seek greatness without reference to God.
Power begins to be used for selfish purposes.
The foundations are laid for the pride of Babylon, which will become especially important in the next chapter.
At the same time, God continues to preserve the line through which His saving promises will unfold.
Through Sem, the history of Scripture will eventually lead us towards Abraham, the people of Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ.
This chapter helps us answer some important questions:
- Why does the Bible record the descendants of Noah?
- How did the nations of the world develop?
- What does Scripture teach about the unity of the human family?
- Who were the descendants of Japheth?
- Why are the descendants of Cham important?
- Who was Nemrod, and why is he associated with Babylon?
- Why does Scripture give particular attention to Sem?
- Who was Heber, and what is his connection with the Hebrews?
- What does the name Phaleg mean?
- Why does Genesis Chapter 10 mention different languages before the Tower of Babel?
- How does this genealogy prepare us for the calling of Abraham?
- What is the connection between Babel and Pentecost?
- Why is the Catholic Church called universal?
- What does this chapter teach us about human dignity, pride and God’s saving plan?
These questions matter because Genesis Chapter 10 is not simply a record of ancient peoples.
It helps us understand the whole history of salvation.
God created one human family.
Sin brought division.
Pride led humanity away from its Creator.
But God never abandoned His plan.
Through Jesus Christ, He would call people from every nation into the unity of His Church.
The great lesson of Genesis Chapter 10 is that although humanity becomes divided into many nations, God’s saving purpose remains one: to gather His children into communion with Himself through Jesus Christ.
1. The Generations of Noah — Why Does Scripture Record So Many Names?
“These are the generations of the sons of Noe: Sem, Cham, and Japheth: and unto them sons were born after the flood.”
Genesis 10:1
Genesis Chapter 10 begins with the three sons of Noah.
Sem.
Cham.
Japheth.
These are the men who entered the ark with their father, their mother and their wives.
They were preserved through the Flood.
Now they begin to have children.
The human family starts to grow again.
What Is a Genealogy?
A genealogy is a record of family relationships and generations.
It tells us how one generation follows another.
In the Bible, genealogies are especially important because they show how God’s plan unfolds through human history.
We encountered a similar genealogy in Genesis Chapter 5.
There, Scripture traced the generations from Adam through Seth towards Noah.
Now Genesis Chapter 10 traces the descendants of Noah as the nations begin to develop.
Why Are These Names Important?
We may know very little about many of the people mentioned.
Some names occur only briefly.
Others will become associated with important nations or regions.
Yet Scripture preserves them.
This reminds us that human history is not outside God’s knowledge.
The Lord knows the generations.
He knows the peoples of the earth.
He knows the nations that rise and fall.
And He continues to direct history according to His providence.
What Is Divine Providence?
Divine providence means that God lovingly guides and sustains His creation according to His wisdom.
He does not simply create the world and then abandon it.
He remains its Lord.
He sustains everything in existence.
He directs His creation towards the fulfilment of His plan.
Human beings possess genuine freedom.
They can choose good or evil.
Their sinful choices are truly their own, and God is not the author of evil.
Yet even human wickedness cannot defeat His saving purpose.
The History of Salvation Continues
The Flood has ended.
Noah has offered sacrifice.
God has established His covenant.
Now human life continues through the generations.
This is important because the promise made after the Fall has not been forgotten.
In Genesis Chapter 3, God promised that the offspring of the woman would defeat the serpent.
The generations of Scripture prepare us for the fulfilment of that promise.
The Redeemer will come.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint John Chrysostom encouraged Christians to read the genealogies of Scripture attentively.
He recognised that the Holy Spirit had inspired these passages for our instruction.
Saint Augustine devoted considerable attention to the descendants of Noah in The City of God, Book XVI.
He understood that the genealogies help us follow the development of human society and the continuing history of God’s people.
The names are therefore not meaningless details.
They belong to the sacred history through which God’s saving purposes are gradually revealed.
What This Means for Us
We sometimes imagine that only famous or powerful people have an important place in history.
But most human lives are lived quietly.
Parents raise children.
Families work and pray.
People help their neighbours.
Generations pass.
Through these ordinary lives, faith can be preserved and handed on.
We may never become famous.
But we can still have an important place in God’s plan.
Practical lesson: Remember the people who passed the Catholic faith on to you. Thank God for their example, and consider how you can help others come to know Him.
2. One Human Family — The Unity of All Peoples
“By these were divided the islands of the Gentiles in their lands, every one according to his tongue and their families in their nations.”
Genesis 10:5
Genesis now begins describing the spread of different peoples.
Families develop into larger communities.
Communities become nations.
People settle in different lands.
Over time, they develop different languages and ways of life.
But Scripture teaches that all these peoples share a common human origin.
All Humanity Comes from One Family
In Genesis Chapter 1, God created man and woman in His own image.
In Genesis Chapter 2, we encountered Adam and Eve.
In Genesis Chapter 3, we learned about the Fall and the wounded condition inherited by humanity.
Now, after the Flood, Scripture traces the nations through Noah and his sons.
The traditional understanding of Genesis therefore emphasises the unity of the human race.
Human beings do not belong to separate kinds of humanity possessing different degrees of dignity.
We share one human nature.
We are created by the same God.
We are called to the same final destiny.
Every Person Is Created in God’s Image
This is one of the most important truths of Catholic teaching.
Human dignity does not depend upon nationality.
It does not depend upon skin colour.
It does not depend upon language.
It does not depend upon wealth, intelligence or social position.
Every human person possesses dignity because he or she is created in God’s image.
That dignity remains even when a person sins.
It cannot be removed by belonging to a particular people or family.
Diversity Does Not Destroy Human Unity
Different nations develop different languages, customs and forms of culture.
There is nothing inherently wrong with this.
Human beings can express their gifts and abilities in many different ways.
Languages allow people to communicate.
Cultures preserve traditions.
Nations provide communities in which people live and work.
Such differences need not become causes of hostility.
They should never make us forget our shared human dignity.
Why Does Division Become a Problem?
The problem begins when human differences become occasions for pride, hatred or injustice.
People may imagine that their own nation is naturally superior to others.
They may despise those who speak another language.
They may treat foreigners as though they possess less dignity.
Such attitudes are contrary to the truth revealed in Genesis.
All human beings belong to the one family created by God.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine emphasised the unity of the human race.
In The City of God, he reflected upon how all nations share a common origin.
The differences between peoples do not remove the underlying unity of humanity.
Saint Paul expresses the same truth when preaching in Athens.
He teaches that God made the nations from one human origin and appointed their times and places.
See Acts 17:26.
What This Means for Us
Catholics should recognise the dignity of every person.
We may rightly love our own country, traditions and culture.
But love of our own people should not become contempt for others.
We are called to practise justice and charity.
We should welcome those who seek God.
And we should remember that Jesus Christ came to save people from every nation.
Practical lesson: Examine whether you ever judge people unfairly because of their nationality, language or background. Ask God to help you recognise His image in everyone you meet.
3. The Descendants of Japheth — The Nations Beyond Israel
“The sons of Japheth: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Thubal, and Mosoch, and Thiras.”
Genesis 10:2
The genealogy begins with the descendants of Japheth.
Scripture names seven sons.
It then mentions further descendants, including the sons of Gomer and Javan.
Through these families, different peoples spread into various regions.
Who Was Japheth?
Japheth was one of Noah’s three sons.
He had been preserved through the Flood.
In Genesis Chapter 9, Noah pronounced a blessing concerning him.
The blessing included the words:
“May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Sem.”
Genesis 9:27
This blessing becomes important when we read Genesis Chapter 10.
Where Did Japheth’s Descendants Go?
Traditional biblical commentators associated the descendants of Japheth particularly with peoples spreading towards the northern and western regions of the ancient world.
Some were connected with the lands around the Mediterranean.
Others were associated with more distant territories.
The names of Gomer, Magog, Madai and Javan would become important in later biblical and historical traditions.
Javan is commonly associated with the Greek world.
Madai is associated with the Medes.
Other identifications have been discussed by traditional commentators.
The important point is that these descendants represent the spread of humanity into many lands.
What Does “The Islands of the Gentiles” Mean?
The Douay-Rheims Bible speaks of the islands of the Gentiles.
Its traditional commentary explains that this expression can refer to distant lands reached by sea.
It does not necessarily mean only small islands.
It can include coastal regions and countries beyond the immediate lands of Israel.
The expression helps us understand how peoples spread into distant territories.
Japheth and the Gentiles
The word Gentiles refers to the nations outside the people of Israel.
In the Old Testament, God’s saving plan will gradually become focused upon the descendants of Abraham and the people of Israel.
But that does not mean that God has forgotten the other nations.
They remain part of His providence.
And His promises will eventually extend to them through Jesus Christ.
The Blessing of Japheth
The Church Fathers recognised a spiritual meaning in Noah’s blessing.
Japheth would be enlarged and dwell in the tents of Sem.
Saint Augustine understood this as preparing us to recognise the calling of the Gentiles.
The salvation promised through the history of Israel would eventually be proclaimed to all nations.
The Gentiles would be invited to share in the blessings fulfilled through Christ.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine discusses the descendants of Noah and the blessings of Sem and Japheth in The City of God.
He sees the development of the nations as part of the history that prepares for the Gospel.
The blessing of Japheth can therefore be understood as a sign that God’s saving purpose is not restricted to one people.
What This Means for Us
We should be grateful that the Gospel has been proclaimed throughout the world.
Most Catholics today are not descended from the ancient people of Israel according to the flesh.
Yet through Jesus Christ, we are invited to share in the promises of salvation.
We belong to the Church established by the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ.
We should never forget that the Christian faith has its roots in God’s revelation to Israel.
Practical lesson: Thank God that the Gospel has reached the nations. Pray for missionaries and for those who have not yet come to know Jesus Christ.
4. The Descendants of Cham — The Growth of Nations and Kingdoms
“And the Sons of Cham: Chus, and Mesram, and Phuth, and Chanaan.”
Genesis 10:6
Scripture next turns to the descendants of Cham.
Four sons are named.
Chus.
Mesram.
Phuth.
Chanaan.
These names become associated with important peoples and regions of the ancient world.
Who Were These Peoples?
Chus is traditionally associated with regions south of Egypt, including Ethiopia and neighbouring lands in ancient geographical terminology.
Mesram is associated with Egypt.
Phuth has been connected by traditional commentators with peoples of North Africa.
Chanaan gives his name to the land and peoples of Chanaan.
These regions will become important in the history of the Old Testament.
Why Is Egypt Important?
Egypt becomes one of the great kingdoms of the ancient world.
Later in Genesis, Joseph will be taken into Egypt.
His family will eventually settle there.
In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites will suffer oppression under Pharaoh.
God will raise up Moses to lead them out of slavery.
The history of Egypt will therefore have a major place in the unfolding story of salvation.
Yet Egypt is not simply a symbol of evil.
It will also provide refuge at important moments.
Most wonderfully, Saint Joseph will take the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus into Egypt to protect Him from Herod.
The land associated with Israel’s ancient oppression will become a place of refuge for the Holy Family.
Why Is Chanaan Important?
Chanaan is associated with the land that will later be promised to Abraham and his descendants.
Much of the history of the patriarchs will take place in this region.
The Israelites will eventually enter the Promised Land.
The names of the Chanaanite peoples therefore prepare us for events described in Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Josue.
Does Scripture Teach That Cham’s Descendants Were All Wicked?
No.
We should not imagine that every descendant of Cham was personally evil.
The genealogy concerns the development of peoples and nations.
It does not mean that individual persons are automatically virtuous or wicked because of their ancestry.
The Church Fathers recognised spiritual patterns in the history of these nations.
But human beings remain responsible for their own choices.
Saint Augustine himself acknowledged that the descendants of different families could include both those who worshipped God and those who rejected Him.
The Two Cities of Saint Augustine
In The City of God, Saint Augustine explains that human history is marked by two different spiritual ways of living.
One is centred upon love of God.
The other is centred upon pride and selfish love.
These are often called the City of God and the earthly city.
They are not simply two geographical places or two biological families.
They represent two different spiritual directions.
A person belongs to the City of God through grace and love of God.
The earthly city is characterised by the refusal to give God His rightful place.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine connected the development of ancient kingdoms with the growth of the earthly city.
He recognised how human power can become corrupted by pride.
Yet God’s saving plan continues even among nations whose rulers turn away from Him.
No people are excluded from the possibility of responding to divine grace.
What This Means for Us
We should never confuse political power, wealth or national greatness with holiness.
A nation may be powerful but unjust.
A kingdom may be wealthy but morally corrupt.
An individual may be successful while living far from God.
The Christian must judge human achievements according to truth and goodness.
We should also remember that God’s grace can reach people in every nation.
Practical lesson: Pray for those who govern nations. Ask God to guide them towards justice, peace and respect for human dignity.
5. The Descendants of Sem — The Line Leading Towards Abraham
“Of Sem also the father of all the children of Heber, the elder brother of Japheth, sons were born.”
Genesis 10:21
The genealogy now turns to Sem.
This is particularly important for the rest of the Bible.
Through Sem’s descendants, Scripture will eventually lead us towards Abraham.
Through Abraham, God will establish a special covenant.
Through his descendants, the history of Israel will unfold.
And from Israel, according to His human nature, Jesus Christ will come.
Why Is Sem Important?
In Genesis Chapter 9, Noah blessed the Lord God of Sem.
Now Genesis Chapter 10 begins tracing Sem’s descendants.
The genealogy includes names such as Elam, Assur, Arphaxad, Lud and Aram.
Through these generations, Scripture directs our attention towards Heber.
Who Was Heber?
Heber was a descendant of Sem.
The traditional understanding associates his name with the origin of the name Hebrew.
Saint Augustine discusses this connection in The City of God.
The name of Heber is especially important because the genealogy leading towards Abraham passes through his family.
From Sem to Heber
The Douay-Rheims genealogy traces the generations through Arphaxad and Sale to Heber.
Heber then has two sons.
Their names are Phaleg and Jectan.
These names are important for understanding the next stage of the story.
Why Does Scripture Give Special Attention to This Family?
Genesis Chapter 10 describes many different nations.
But the Bible will soon begin to follow one particular family line more closely.
This does not mean that God has ceased to care about the other peoples.
Rather, He is preparing to reveal His saving plan through a particular family.
God will call Abraham.
He will make promises to him.
He will form a people through whom the Messiah will eventually come.
The Election of Israel
The word election means being chosen.
God will choose Abraham and his descendants for a particular mission within the history of salvation.
This choice is not a declaration that other peoples possess less human dignity.
God’s purpose is ultimately to bring blessing to all the nations.
The people of Israel will receive God’s promises, His Law and the prophetic preparation for the coming of Christ.
Through Israel, the Saviour of the world will be born.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine explained that the genealogy of Sem preserves the line through which the history of the City of God would continue towards Abraham.
He saw this as the continuation of the earlier genealogy from Seth to Noah.
The history of salvation passes through successive generations.
God’s promises are gradually revealed.
What This Means for Us
We should recognise the faithfulness of God across the generations.
The Catholic faith did not begin as a collection of human religious ideas.
It is rooted in God’s revelation.
The Old Testament prepares us for the New Testament.
The history of Israel prepares us for Jesus Christ.
We should therefore read the whole Bible as one great history of salvation.
Practical lesson: When reading the Old Testament, ask how the passage prepares us for Christ. Remember that God’s plan unfolds gradually but remains one.
6. Nemrod — Human Greatness Without God
“Now Chus begot Nemrod: he began to be mighty on the earth.”
Genesis 10:8
In the middle of the genealogy, Scripture pauses to tell us about one particular man.
His name is Nemrod.
He is called Nimrod in many modern English Bibles.
He is a descendant of Chus, from the line of Cham.
Unlike many of the other people mentioned in this chapter, Nemrod receives a special description.
He becomes mighty upon the earth.
Who Was Nemrod?
Scripture describes Nemrod as a powerful hunter.
It also connects him with the beginnings of a kingdom.
The Douay-Rheims Bible tells us:
“And the beginning of his kingdom was Babylon, and Arach, and Achad, and Chalanne in the land of Sennaar.”
Genesis 10:10
Nemrod is therefore associated with the beginnings of powerful cities and organised kingdoms.
What Does His Name Mean?
Traditional Christian commentators have often connected Nemrod’s name with rebellion.
This fits the spiritual interpretation of his character as a figure of pride and resistance to God’s authority.
The exact linguistic explanation of the ancient name is less certain, but the traditional association with rebellion has been influential in Christian teaching.
Was He Merely a Successful Hunter?
The traditional Douay-Rheims commentary gives a striking explanation.
It understands the description of Nemrod as a mighty hunter not simply as referring to hunting animals.
It associates his power with the violent domination of other human beings.
He becomes a figure of tyranny.
Rather than using strength to serve others, he uses it to establish power over them.
Power Can Become Dangerous
There is nothing wrong with having authority.
Parents need authority to guide their children.
Governments need legitimate authority to maintain justice.
Teachers need authority to educate.
Leaders have responsibilities towards those entrusted to them.
But authority becomes corrupted when it is used selfishly.
A person may begin to believe that power places him above moral law.
He may imagine that success justifies any action.
He may use others for his own purposes.
This is the danger represented by Nemrod.
Nemrod and Babylon
Scripture connects Nemrod’s kingdom with Babylon.
This becomes very important in the next chapter.
In Genesis Chapter 11, we will encounter the Tower of Babel.
Human beings will attempt to establish their own greatness through a great building project.
They will seek to make a name for themselves.
They will act according to pride rather than humble obedience to God.
Saint Augustine associated Nemrod with the beginnings of Babylon and the pride that would be revealed in the Tower of Babel.
Genesis does not explicitly name Nemrod as the man who personally directed the building of the tower.
But the connection between his kingdom and Babylon gives a strong traditional basis for seeing him as a figure of the pride associated with that city.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine discusses Nemrod and Babylon in The City of God, Book XVI.
He understands Babylon as representing the earthly city, characterised by pride and the desire for greatness apart from God.
The City of God, by contrast, is founded upon love of God and humility.
The contrast is not between building cities and refusing to build them.
It is between using human abilities according to God’s will and using them in rebellion against Him.
What This Means for Us
We may never rule a kingdom.
But the temptation of Nemrod can still appear within our own hearts.
We may desire control over others.
We may seek recognition and admiration.
We may become proud of our abilities.
We may think that our own judgement is always superior.
We may become unwilling to accept correction.
The example of Nemrod warns us against pride.
True greatness is found in serving God and others.
Jesus teaches that those who wish to be great must become servants.
Practical lesson: Examine how you use authority and influence. Ask God to protect you from pride and help you serve others with humility and justice.
7. The Spread of Nations — God Directs the Course of History
Genesis Chapter 10 continues by naming different peoples and territories.
We encounter places and nations that will become familiar throughout the Old Testament.
Egypt.
Assyria.
Babylon.
Chanaan.
Sidon.
And the peoples associated with the future land of Israel.
These names are not accidental details.
They introduce us to the world in which much of the biblical story will unfold.
Egypt and the Exodus
We have already seen that Egypt is associated with the descendants of Cham.
Later, it will become the setting for the story of Joseph and the Exodus.
God will free His people from slavery and lead them towards the Promised Land.
Assyria and the Prophets
Assyria will become a powerful kingdom.
Its history will be closely connected with the later history of Israel.
The city of Ninive will become especially important in the Book of Jonas.
God will send the prophet to call its inhabitants to repentance.
This reminds us that God’s concern extends even to nations outside Israel.
Babylon and the Exile
Babylon will eventually become one of the great powers of the ancient world.
Its armies will conquer Jerusalem.
Many of the people of Judah will be taken into exile.
The prophets will interpret these events in the light of God’s justice and His promises.
Yet the Lord will not abandon His people.
He will prepare their return.
Chanaan and the Promised Land
The land of Chanaan will become the home of the patriarchs.
Abraham will journey there in obedience to God’s call.
The land will become part of the promises made to his descendants.
Later, the Israelites will enter it after their journey through the wilderness.
Why Does Scripture Introduce These Places Now?
Genesis is preparing us for the history that follows.
The peoples named in Chapter 10 will appear again in later books.
Their kingdoms, conflicts and relationships will form part of the setting in which God’s saving plan unfolds.
The genealogy therefore provides a foundation for understanding the rest of the Old Testament.
God’s Providence and Human Freedom
We must remember that God does not force human beings to commit evil.
Kings and nations remain responsible for their decisions.
Warfare, injustice and oppression are genuine evils.
Yet God can bring good even from circumstances caused by human wickedness.
His providence is greater than the actions of earthly rulers.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine understood the development of the nations as part of the history of the earthly city and the City of God.
Earthly kingdoms rise and fall.
Human power passes away.
But God’s saving plan continues.
The Lord remains sovereign over history.
What This Means for Us
We sometimes become anxious about events in the world.
We hear about war.
Political instability.
Economic difficulties.
Injustice.
And the suffering of innocent people.
We should not be indifferent to these things.
Christians have responsibilities towards justice and peace.
But we should also remember that history is not outside God’s providence.
Our hope must ultimately be placed in Him.
Practical lesson: Pray for peace among the nations and for those who suffer through war or injustice. Trust God’s providence while fulfilling your own responsibilities towards others.
8. Heber and Phaleg — Why Was the Earth Divided?
“And to Heber were born two sons: the name of the one was Phaleg, because in his days was the earth divided.”
Genesis 10:25
This verse contains an important detail.
Heber has two sons.
One is called Phaleg.
The other is Jectan.
Scripture explains that Phaleg receives his name because the earth was divided in his days.
What does this mean?
The Meaning of Phaleg
The name Phaleg, usually written Peleg in modern English translations, is associated with division.
Genesis connects his name with an important event in the development of humanity.
The earth was divided.
Was This the Division of the Nations?
Traditional commentators understood this as referring to the division of peoples and languages associated with the Tower of Babel.
In Genesis Chapter 11, we will discover how human pride led to the confusion of languages and the scattering of peoples.
The reference to Phaleg therefore prepares us for the next chapter.
Why Does Genesis Chapter 10 Already Mention Different Languages?
This can seem confusing.
Genesis Chapter 10 speaks about nations possessing different languages.
But Genesis Chapter 11 begins by saying that the whole earth had one language.
How can both statements be true?
The answer lies in the way Scripture tells the story.
Genesis Chapter 10 gives us an overview of the nations that developed after the Flood.
It describes the situation resulting from their spread across the earth.
Genesis Chapter 11 then returns to explain how the division of languages came about.
The account is not necessarily arranged so that every event in Chapter 10 happened before every event in Chapter 11.
Scripture first describes the outcome.
Then it explains an important event that contributed to that outcome.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine addresses this question directly in The City of God, Book XVI.
He explains that Genesis first describes the descendants of Noah according to their nations and languages.
The narrative then returns to the earlier period when humanity shared one language.
The Tower of Babel explains the confusion of tongues.
Saint Augustine also connected the days of Phaleg with this division.
This traditional interpretation preserves the harmony between the two chapters.
Why Did God Permit the Division?
We will study this more fully in Genesis Chapter 11.
But the essential point is that humanity had begun to misuse its unity.
Instead of joining together in worship and obedience, people united in pride.
They sought greatness apart from God.
The confusion of languages became a judgement upon that pride.
Yet it also prevented human wickedness from advancing through a single united effort.
The Catechism recognises that the division into nations placed limits upon the pride of fallen humanity.
See paragraphs 56–57.
What This Means for Us
Unity is good when it is founded upon truth and charity.
But unity can be misused.
People may join together for selfish or wicked purposes.
An entire community can become united in dishonesty or injustice.
The Christian must therefore remember that agreement does not automatically make an action good.
True unity must be directed towards God.
Practical lesson: Seek peace and unity with others, but never sacrifice truth or moral goodness simply to gain acceptance.
9. The Teaching of the Church Fathers — One Humanity, Two Ways of Living
Genesis Chapter 10 contains many names, peoples and territories.
But the Church Fathers recognised that it also reveals important spiritual truths.
In particular, Saint Augustine understood these generations in the light of the two cities.
The City of God
The City of God is formed by those who love God above all things.
Its members seek to live according to His truth.
They recognise their dependence upon His grace.
They desire eternal life.
Their true homeland is Heaven.
The Earthly City
The earthly city is characterised by selfish love and pride.
Its members seek their final happiness in created things rather than in God.
They may pursue wealth.
Power.
Recognition.
Or worldly greatness.
These things become disordered when they replace the worship and love of the Creator.
Does This Mean Every Earthly City Is Evil?
No.
Building cities and organising societies are good human activities when carried out according to justice.
Christians are called to contribute to the common good.
They should care about their communities.
They should work for peace and justice.
The distinction made by Saint Augustine concerns the loves and purposes that govern human life.
A person may live in a great city while belonging spiritually to the City of God.
Another may live in a small village while being governed by pride and selfishness.
The Two Cities Are Not Simply Two Families
This is especially important when reading Genesis Chapter 10.
We should not imagine that every descendant of Sem was holy or every descendant of Cham was wicked.
Saint Augustine recognised that people who worshipped God and people who rejected Him could be found among different generations.
The true distinction concerns our response to God.
Nimrod and the Earthly City
Nemrod becomes an important figure because his kingdom is associated with Babylon.
Babylon represents the danger of human greatness founded upon pride.
The kingdom of Christ is very different.
It is founded upon truth, humility and charity.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine’s City of God provides one of the most important traditional Christian interpretations of the early chapters of Genesis.
He sees human history as a struggle between love of God and selfish love.
The genealogies help us follow how this struggle unfolds through successive generations.
But God’s providence continues to guide history towards the coming of Christ.
What This Means for Us
We should ask what governs our own lives.
Do we seek God’s will?
Or do we allow pride and selfishness to determine our choices?
Are we trying to become holy?
Or merely successful?
Do we desire Heaven?
Or are we living as though earthly happiness were our final purpose?
Practical lesson: Consider what occupies the first place in your life. Ask God to help you love Him above everything else.
10. Jesus Christ — The Saviour of All Nations
Genesis Chapter 10 describes the development of many nations.
But the history of salvation will eventually lead us towards one Saviour.
Jesus Christ.
He is the eternal Son of God.
He became man for our salvation.
He entered the human family.
He was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
And He came to redeem humanity from sin and death.
Christ Truly Belongs to Human History
The genealogies of Scripture remind us that Jesus did not simply appear without connection to the human family.
He was truly born as man.
Saint Luke traces His ancestry backwards through the generations towards Adam.
The generations following Noah belong to the long history that prepares for His coming.
From Sem to Abraham
Through Sem’s descendants, Scripture will eventually lead us towards Abraham.
God will call Abraham from his homeland.
He will promise him descendants.
He will establish a covenant with him.
And He will promise that all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.
From Abraham to Israel
Through Abraham’s descendants, God will form the people of Israel.
He will reveal His Law.
He will send His prophets.
He will establish His promises concerning the kingdom of David.
These events prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
From Israel to Christ
Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah.
He fulfils the promises made through the history of Israel.
He is the Son of David.
He is the Son of Abraham.
He is the new Adam.
And He is the Saviour of the world.
Why Did Christ Come for All Nations?
The Fall affected the whole human family.
All humanity needs redemption.
God’s saving plan is therefore universal.
Jesus does not come merely to establish a kingdom for one earthly nation.
He comes to reconcile humanity with the Father.
Through His death and Resurrection, He opens the way to eternal life.
The Great Commission
After His Resurrection, Jesus commands His Apostles to go into the whole world.
They are to proclaim the Gospel.
They are to make disciples of all nations.
They are to baptise in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
The mission of the Church therefore extends to every people.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Irenaeus taught that Christ restores humanity through His saving work.
As the new Adam, He brings the gift of life to the human family wounded by sin.
Saint Augustine also recognised that God’s saving promises ultimately extend beyond one nation.
Through Christ, people from every land are called into the unity of the Church.
What This Means for Us
We should be grateful that the Gospel has been proclaimed to us.
We did not discover salvation through our own efforts.
God has made Himself known.
He has sent His Son.
He has given us His Church.
Our response should be faith, gratitude and obedience.
Practical lesson: Pray for those who have never heard the Gospel, and ask God to help you bear witness to Christ through your words and actions.
11. Genesis Chapter 10 and Pentecost — From Divided Languages to One Faith
The connection between Genesis Chapter 10 and Pentecost is especially beautiful.
Genesis describes the development of different nations and languages.
Genesis Chapter 11 will explain the confusion of languages at Babel.
But in the Acts of the Apostles, something extraordinary happens.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles are gathered together.
The Holy Spirit descends upon them.
They begin proclaiming the mighty works of God.
People from many different nations are present in Jerusalem.
Yet they hear the Apostles speaking in their own languages.
Why Is This Important?
At Babel, human pride leads to confusion and division.
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit brings people together through the proclamation of the Gospel.
The miracle does not require everyone to abandon their own language.
Instead, the one truth of Christ is proclaimed to people of different nations.
This reveals the universal mission of the Church.
One Gospel for Every Nation
The Gospel is not intended for one country alone.
Nor does it belong exclusively to one culture or language.
Jesus Christ is the Saviour of all humanity.
The Apostles are sent to proclaim His teaching throughout the world.
The Church will grow among many different peoples.
The Unity of the Catholic Faith
Catholics may worship in different languages.
They may belong to different nations.
They may possess different customs and traditions.
But they are united by the same faith.
The same Baptism.
The same sacraments.
The same Apostolic teaching.
And the same Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit Builds Unity
The Holy Spirit does not simply create pleasant feelings of agreement.
He leads the Church into truth.
He strengthens charity.
He sanctifies the faithful.
He gathers people into communion with Christ.
True Christian unity therefore requires both truth and love.
It cannot be founded upon abandoning the teaching given by Jesus Christ.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine connected the confusion of languages at Babel with the miracle of Pentecost.
The pride of Babel divided humanity.
The Holy Spirit brought people together through the Gospel.
This contrast reveals the difference between human pride and the saving work of divine grace.
What This Means for Us
Within our parishes, we may encounter people from different countries and backgrounds.
We should recognise the richness of the universal Church.
But our deepest unity is not simply cultural or social.
It is our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
We belong to one Catholic Church.
We gather around one altar.
We receive the one Lord in the Holy Eucharist.
Practical lesson: Pray for the unity of the Church. Welcome fellow Catholics from different backgrounds and remember that our common faith in Christ is greater than our differences.
12. The Great Catholic Truths of Genesis Chapter 10
Having studied the chapter, we can now bring its teaching together.
God Created One Human Family
All human beings share a common origin and possess the same fundamental dignity.
Every Person Is Created in God’s Image
Nationality, language and ancestry do not determine a person’s worth.
Human dignity comes from God.
God Directs History Through His Providence
The generations and nations develop within the created world sustained by the Lord.
Human freedom remains real, but His saving plan cannot be defeated.
The Genealogies Belong to Sacred History
The names recorded in Genesis help us understand how the history of salvation unfolds through successive generations.
The Descendants of Japheth Prepare Us for the Gentile Nations
The blessing of Japheth points towards the future calling of the nations into the blessings fulfilled through Christ.
The Descendants of Cham Become Important in Biblical History
Egypt, Chanaan and other ancient peoples will play significant roles in the history of Israel.
The Line of Sem Leads Towards Abraham
Through Sem and Heber, Scripture prepares us for the calling of Abraham and the history of God’s covenant people.
Human Greatness Can Become Corrupted by Pride
Nemrod reminds us that power and worldly success must remain subject to God’s moral law.
Babylon Represents the Danger of Rebellion Against God
Saint Augustine recognised Babylon as a figure of the earthly city founded upon pride.
The Division of Languages Is Connected with Babel
The reference to Phaleg prepares us for the events of Genesis Chapter 11.
God Does Not Abandon the Nations
Even as peoples spread across the earth, they remain within His providence and are called towards His saving purpose.
The City of God Is Founded upon Love of God
The true distinction between human beings is not ancestry or nationality but their response to God’s grace.
The Old Testament Prepares for Jesus Christ
The generations from Noah to Abraham belong to the history that leads towards the coming of the Saviour.
Christ Came to Save All Nations
Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the whole human family.
His saving work is offered to peoples throughout the world.
Pentecost Reveals the Universal Mission of the Church
The Holy Spirit brings people of different nations together through the one Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Catholic Church Is Universal
The Church is called to proclaim Christ to every nation and gather the faithful into one communion.
These truths show that Genesis Chapter 10 is far more than a list of ancient families.
It reveals the unity of humanity, the dangers of pride, the faithfulness of God’s providence and the preparation for the universal mission of the Church.
13. The Catholic Church — God’s Family Gathered from Every Nation
The story of Genesis Chapter 10 becomes especially meaningful when we consider the Catholic Church.
The chapter describes the spread of humanity into many nations.
The Gospel reveals God’s plan to gather people from every nation into one spiritual family through Jesus Christ.
What Does Catholic Mean?
The word Catholic means universal.
The Church is Catholic because Christ is present in her and because she has been sent to proclaim the Gospel to the whole human race.
She is not intended for one country or culture.
Her mission embraces the whole world.
Christ Founded One Church
Jesus Christ founded His Church upon the Apostles, with Saint Peter as the visible foundation of unity.
He entrusted His teaching to them.
He gave them authority to proclaim the Gospel.
He instituted the sacraments.
And He promised to remain with His Church until the end of time.
The Church is therefore not simply a collection of independent religious groups.
She is the Body of Christ.
She is called to unity in faith, worship and governance.
Baptism Makes Us Children of God
All human beings share a common human dignity through creation.
But Baptism gives us something further.
Through Baptism, we are united to Jesus Christ.
Original sin is removed.
We receive sanctifying grace.
We become adopted children of God and members of His Church.
This spiritual unity is a gift of grace.
It does not depend upon belonging to a particular nation or earthly family.
The Holy Eucharist Builds Communion
At Mass, Catholics throughout the world participate in the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The same Lord is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Under the appearances of bread and wine, we receive His Body and Blood.
The Eucharist therefore expresses and strengthens the unity of the Church.
We may speak different languages.
But we receive the same Christ.
The Church’s Mission to the Nations
Jesus commands His Church to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
This mission has continued throughout the centuries.
Missionaries have travelled to distant lands.
Saints have preached the faith.
Families have passed on Catholic teaching.
Parishes have been established.
Churches have been built.
The sacraments have been celebrated among peoples throughout the world.
This mission continues today.
Why Is Evangelisation Important?
If Jesus Christ is truly the Saviour of the world, then sharing His Gospel is an act of charity.
We should desire that others come to know Him.
Evangelisation is not about forcing people to believe.
Faith must be freely embraced.
But we have a responsibility to proclaim the truth and invite others towards Christ.
What the Church Fathers Teach
Saint Augustine described the City of God as extending among the nations.
The Church gathers people from different peoples into the communion of faith.
The unity of the Church is greater than the divisions of earthly society.
The Catechism teaches that the Church has been sent by Christ to the whole human race.
See paragraph 831.
What This Means for Our Parishes
A Catholic parish should reflect the universal mission of the Church.
It should be a place where the faith is proclaimed clearly.
Where the sacraments are celebrated reverently.
Where people are helped to grow in holiness.
And where those who seek Christ are welcomed.
We should never allow nationality, social status or cultural differences to become obstacles to charity.
At the same time, genuine Catholic unity requires faithfulness to the teaching of Christ.
The Church is not united merely by friendship.
She is united in the truth and grace of the Saviour.
What This Means for Us
Every Catholic has a part in the Church’s mission.
Parents teach their children.
Grandparents pass on the faith.
Catechists help others understand Catholic teaching.
Priests preach the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments.
Parishioners bear witness through prayer, charity and good example.
We are all called to help others come closer to Jesus Christ.
Practical lesson: Consider one way you can help another person grow in the Catholic faith. It may be through a conversation, an invitation to Mass, encouragement to pray or simply a faithful Christian example.
14. Living Genesis Chapter 10 Every Day
Genesis Chapter 10 offers important lessons for ordinary Catholic life.
Although it contains many unfamiliar names, its teaching is deeply relevant to the world in which we live.
Remember the Unity of the Human Family
All human beings come from the same Creator.
We share one human nature.
Treat everyone with dignity.
Respect People from Other Nations
Differences of language, culture and nationality do not remove our shared humanity.
Avoid prejudice and unjust discrimination.
Give Thanks for Your Own Family
The genealogies remind us of the importance of successive generations.
Be grateful for those who have cared for you and passed on the faith.
Pass On the Catholic Faith
Do not allow knowledge of God to disappear through neglect.
Teach children to pray.
Explain the importance of Sunday Mass.
Encourage them to know Jesus Christ.
Resist the Pride of Nemrod
Do not seek greatness merely for your own glory.
Avoid the desire to control or dominate others.
Use your gifts in the service of God.
Exercise Authority Responsibly
If you have responsibilities towards others, carry them out with justice and charity.
Power is a duty, not simply a privilege.
Remember That Nations Are Accountable to God
Pray for rulers and governments.
Support justice, peace and respect for human dignity.
Trust Divine Providence
The rise and fall of earthly powers cannot defeat God’s saving plan.
Place your deepest hope in the Lord.
Learn from the Two Cities
Ask whether your life is centred upon love of God or selfish ambition.
Seek to belong to the City of God through grace and charity.
Read the Whole Bible as One Story
The genealogies prepare us for Abraham, Israel and Jesus Christ.
Do not treat the Old and New Testaments as unrelated books.
Be Grateful for the History of Israel
God prepared the coming of Christ through His chosen people.
Remember the Jewish roots of the Catholic faith.
Recognise the Universal Mission of Christ
Jesus came to save the whole world.
Pray for those who have not yet heard or accepted the Gospel.
Value the Catholic Church
Christ founded His Church as the ordinary means of salvation.
Remain faithful to her teaching and sacraments.
Welcome Fellow Catholics
People from many nations belong to the one Church.
Recognise your shared faith in Christ.
Seek Unity in Truth
Unity is not achieved by ignoring what God has revealed.
True Christian unity is founded upon faith, charity and obedience to Christ.
Remember Pentecost
The Holy Spirit gathered people of many languages through the proclamation of the Gospel.
Pray that He will strengthen the Church’s mission today.
Make Use of the Sacraments
Through Baptism, we receive new life in Christ.
Through Confession, we receive forgiveness when we have sinned.
Through the Holy Eucharist, we are nourished with the true Body and Blood of Our Lord.
Pray for the Conversion of the World
God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Pray for the spread of the Gospel.
Live as a Witness to Christ
Your everyday example matters.
Honesty.
Kindness.
Prayer.
Forgiveness.
Faithfulness to Sunday Mass.
These can help others recognise the beauty of the Catholic faith.
Practical lesson: Choose one area in which you need greater humility, charity or faithfulness. Ask God for the grace to make a genuine change during the coming week.
Questions for Reflection
Take some time to consider these questions prayerfully.
- Do I recognise that every human being is created in God’s image?
- Am I grateful for the family and generations through which God has given me life?
- Do I appreciate the importance of passing on the Catholic faith?
- Have I ever judged someone unfairly because of nationality or background?
- Do I understand why the genealogies belong to the history of salvation?
- What can I learn from the descendants of Japheth and the calling of the Gentiles?
- Do I understand why the line of Sem is important for the coming of Abraham and Christ?
- What does the example of Nemrod teach me about pride and the misuse of power?
- Am I sometimes more concerned with worldly success than holiness?
- Do I recognise the difference between the earthly city and the City of God?
- Do I trust that God’s providence continues throughout human history?
- Have I become unnecessarily anxious about political or worldly events?
- Do I understand the connection between Phaleg and the division of languages?
- What can the Tower of Babel teach me about the dangers of pride?
- Do I appreciate the connection between Babel and Pentecost?
- Am I grateful that Jesus Christ came to save people of every nation?
- Do I recognise the importance of the Jewish origins of Christianity?
- Do I understand why the Church is called Catholic?
- Am I faithful to the teaching and sacraments of the Church?
- Do I pray for missionaries and the conversion of those who do not know Christ?
- Am I helping my parish become a place of genuine Catholic faith and charity?
- What practical change can I make this week to live more faithfully as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Choose one area in which you can make a genuine change.
Remember that holiness does not depend upon being famous or powerful.
It depends upon responding faithfully to God’s grace.
The generations of Genesis remind us that every human life has a place within His providence.
A Simple Prayer with Genesis Chapter 10
Read Genesis 10:32 slowly:
“These are the families of Noe, according to their people and nations. By these were the nations divided on the earth after the flood.”
Pause for a moment.
Think about Noah and his family emerging from the ark.
God had preserved them through the Flood.
He had given them a new beginning.
Now their descendants begin to multiply and spread across the earth.
Many families will develop.
Many nations will appear.
Different languages will be spoken.
Great cities and kingdoms will rise.
But God remains the Creator of them all.
His saving plan continues.
Through the descendants of Sem, the history of Scripture will lead towards Abraham.
Through Abraham, God will prepare the people of Israel.
And through Israel, Jesus Christ will come into the world.
He will give His life upon the Cross.
He will rise from the dead.
And He will send His Apostles to proclaim the Gospel to every nation.
Now consider your own life.
Do you recognise the dignity of every human person?
Are you grateful for the faith you have received?
Are you using your gifts for God’s glory?
Are you allowing pride or selfishness to influence your choices?
Are you helping others come to know Jesus Christ?
Then pray:
Heavenly Father,
You are the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of all peoples and nations.
You made humanity in Your own image and called us to live in friendship with You.
After the great Flood, You blessed Noah and his sons and allowed the human family to multiply across the earth.
Through the generations, You continued to guide the history of salvation.
You preserved Your promises.
You prepared the calling of Abraham.
You formed the people of Israel.
And in the fullness of time, You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world.
Teach me to recognise Your image in every human person.
Keep me from pride, prejudice and selfishness.
Help me to respect the dignity of others, whatever their country, language or background.
Give me a grateful heart for the family and faith I have received.
Help me to pass on the truth of Your Gospel through my words and example.
Protect me from the pride of Nemrod and the desire to seek greatness apart from You.
Teach me to use my abilities and responsibilities for the good of others.
Bless the nations of the world.
Guide those entrusted with authority.
Bring peace where there is war.
Justice where there is oppression.
And reconciliation where there is hatred.
Through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have called people from every nation into the unity of Your Church.
Strengthen her in faith, holiness and charity.
Bless the Holy Father, the bishops, priests, missionaries and all who proclaim the Gospel.
Send Your Holy Spirit to guide the Church, as He descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost.
May the truth of Christ be proclaimed throughout the earth.
May those who do not yet know Him be brought to the fullness of faith.
Keep me faithful to the grace of Baptism.
Restore me through Confession when I have sinned.
Nourish me through the Holy Eucharist.
And when my earthly life is complete, bring me into the heavenly Kingdom, where the redeemed from every nation will praise You forever.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Conclusion: From the Nations of Noah to the Universal Church of Christ
Genesis Chapter 10 may at first appear to be little more than a list of unfamiliar names.
But when we read it carefully, we discover that it belongs to one of the great themes of Sacred Scripture.
God created one human family, and His saving plan is intended for the whole world.
After the Flood, Noah and his family received a new beginning.
God blessed them.
He established His covenant.
He promised to preserve the order of creation.
And the generations continued.
The descendants of Japheth spread into distant lands.
The descendants of Cham became associated with important nations and kingdoms.
Through the descendants of Sem, the history of salvation moved towards Abraham.
Human society developed.
Cities were built.
Kingdoms arose.
Different peoples settled in different regions.
Yet the same dangers that had existed before the Flood remained.
Human pride continued.
The desire for power grew.
Nemrod became associated with the beginnings of Babylon.
And the next chapter will reveal how humanity attempted to establish greatness without obedience to God.
The Tower of Babel will show the consequences of pride.
Yet even this will not defeat God’s saving plan.
The nations may be divided.
Their languages may become different.
Their cultures may develop in different ways.
But they remain one human family.
All are created by God.
All possess human dignity.
And all are in need of the salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ.
This is why the line of Sem is so important.
Through Sem, Scripture leads us towards Heber.
Through the generations that follow, it will lead towards Abraham.
God will call Abraham and establish His covenant with him.
He will form the people of Israel.
He will reveal His Law.
He will send His prophets.
He will promise a Messiah.
And in the fullness of time, Jesus Christ will be born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He is the eternal Son of God made man.
He is the true Son of Abraham.
He is the Son of David.
He is the new Adam.
And He is the Saviour of the world.
Through His death upon the Cross, He accomplishes our redemption.
Through His Resurrection, He conquers death.
Through Baptism, He gives us new life.
Through the Holy Eucharist, He nourishes His people.
And through His Church, He gathers people from every nation into the communion of faith.
The division of languages at Babel will find its beautiful counterpart at Pentecost.
At Babel, pride brings confusion.
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enables the Gospel to be proclaimed and understood among many nations.
At Babel, people seek to make a name for themselves.
At Pentecost, the Apostles proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ.
At Babel, human pride divides.
Through Christ, divine grace gathers people into one Church.
This is the great movement of salvation history.
From Adam to Noah.
From Noah to Abraham.
From Abraham to Israel.
From Israel to Jesus Christ.
And from Christ to the nations of the world.
The Catholic Church continues this mission today.
She is called Catholic because she is universal.
She proclaims the same Gospel to every people.
She celebrates the same sacraments.
She worships the same Lord.
And she calls all humanity towards the eternal happiness of Heaven.
Genesis Chapter 10 therefore reminds us that we are part of something greater than our own family, parish or country.
We belong to the human family created by God.
And through Baptism, we are called into the spiritual family of His Church.
Our responsibility is to remain faithful to Jesus Christ.
To love God above all things.
To respect the dignity of others.
To resist pride.
To practise charity.
To pass on the faith.
And to help others come to know the Saviour.
The names of Genesis Chapter 10 may seem distant.
But the story they begin is our story too.
For the same God who preserved Noah, guided the generations and prepared the calling of Abraham has sent His Son for our salvation.
May we therefore trust His providence.
May we remain faithful to His Church.
May we help proclaim His Gospel.
And may we look forward to that day when the redeemed from every nation, tribe, people and tongue will gather before the throne of God and the Lamb.
For the God who created one human family now calls all peoples to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
