"These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood." -Genesis 10.32
The genealogies of the Old Testament have been used to try and piece together a timeline in an attempt to date creation and assign an age to the earth. However, this is impossible to do because these genealogies are not exhaustive lists. They do not contain the names of every person in the line of Noah, in the case of Genesis 10, simply the major players so that God can show how He is at work to bring about His plan of redemption.
I read this quote a few weeks ago in the book Genesis in Space and Time,"It is to theology, as such, a matter of entire indifference how long man has existed on the earth." Theology is the study of God, not of man. Therefore, theology does not care at all how long man has walked the earth or even how long the earth has existed. Theology is only concerned with learning who God is, and that is all. The genealogies of the Bible serve to show how God is working through the very people who need Him, to bring about what they need.
God is the focus. God is the subject. The Bible revovles around who God is. It is a book of theology, and theology is the study of God. Everything contained within its pages is meant to teach us about the divine author. As we look at everything it contains, our intention must be to know God more.
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Peace be with you
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