When we are reading the Book of Genesis, it is important in the day and age in which we live to remember the great book that it is. We live in a day and age that doubts God and is in rebellion against God. When we speak of some of the truths of the Book of Genesis ungodly people may count us kooks. Yet, Genesis is extremely important because it tells us about the beginnings and foundations of things. It tells us about reality, about God, creation, man, sin, and sanctity of human life, the institution of marriage, the family and government. Here we have a first picture of government in this world unified in rebellion against God.
What should we notice in these chapters?
I. Notice first the number of names that we know little about:
1. Few details are given in this genealogy
2. These are fathers of countries
3. Most were followers, not leaders – Isaiah 53:6
II. Notice Nimrod
1. Consider his pedigree, he is the son of Cush – Genesis 10:8, the nephew of Canaan – Genesis 10:6
2. Consider his name – Nimrod means “We shall rebel”
3. Consider his accomplishments:
A. Genesis 10:8 “Began to be a mighty one …” He started a new era
B. A mighty hunter – Genesis 10:9 this won him popularity
C. He was a king with a kingdom, even an empire – Genesis 10:10-12
D. Most likely, Nimrod led in building the Tower of Babel
Notice – It is in his kingdom (compare Genesis 10:10 to 11:2); It is a challenge to God; It involves centralized, unified rebellion!
III. Notice Nimrod’s Little Noticed Nemesis
1. Eber, the great-grandson of Shem, rightful heir of God’s blessing, He is the father of the Hebrews, most likely a quiet man of prayer – Genesis 10:21; 11:10-14
2. His son he names Peleg – the name means to split or divide, it is likely that godly Eber rejoiced in the confusion of languages that thwarted the full accomplishment of ungodly Nimrod’s goals!
3. Eber and Peleg are ancestors of Abram (Abraham) – Genesis 11:16-32
4. By Abraham’s time true faith seems rare – Genesis 12:1-2
IV. Nimrod’s Rebellious Empire was the first of many in this sin-filled world –
1. Egypt – Exodus 1:8-10
2. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome – Daniel 2 & 7
3. These kingdoms are ruled by demonic forces, even Satan himself – Daniel 10:12-14; John 12:30; Ephesians 6:10-12
4. There is a spiritual warfare going on, God is always working to thwart the unity of ungodly rebellious kingdoms – Revelation 6:1-8
V. Yet, there will come a day when God will allow ungodly kingdoms to unite – Revelation 13
1. This is a unification of the world according to the power of Satan – Revelation 13:1-4
2. This is a rule of power for a limited time period – 13:5
3. This will be a difficult time for believers – 13:7
4. Signs of this kingdoms come our in the world today
A. Proposed taxes paid to the UN
B. Mark of the Beast computer chips practically ready – 13:16-17
C. 666 = Man, Man, Man – Revelation 13:18
VI. Note the dread consequence of taking the mark – Revelation 14:9-12
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