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Genesis 10:27 - Descendants shaping nations' identities?

Genesis 10:27 - בראשית 10:27

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הֲדוֹרָם וְאֶת־אוּזָל וְאֶת־דִּקְלָה׃

English Translation

and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diqla,

Transliteration

Ve'et-Hadoram ve'et-Uzal ve'et-Diklah

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הֲדוֹרָ֥ם וְאֶת־אוּזָ֖ל וְאֶת־דִּקְלָֽה׃
וְאֶת־הֲדוֹרָ֥ם וְאֶת־אוּזָ֖ל וְאֶת־דִּקְלָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

The verse (Bereishit 10:27) lists descendants of Yoktan, a son of Eber, in the genealogy of the nations following the dispersion at Migdal Bavel. Hadoram, Uzal, and Diqla are among these descendants, representing ancient tribes or locations.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (ad loc.) notes that these names correspond to known places in his time: Uzal is identified with the city of San'a in Yemen (as referenced in Yechezkel 27:19), while Diqla (דִּקְלָה) is linked to a region abundant in date palms (from the root "dekel," דֶּקֶל, meaning date palm). Hadoram's identification is less clear, though some associate it with regions in southern Arabia.

Midrashic Insights

  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (Ch. 24): Suggests Yoktan's descendants settled in fertile lands, with Diqla emphasizing agricultural prosperity (symbolized by date palms).
  • Yalkut Shimoni (Bereishit 61): Links Uzal to trade routes, noting its later prominence in spice commerce (cf. Yechezkel's mention of "Uzal wine").

Rambam's Historical Approach

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:45), Rambam interprets such genealogies as documenting early human dispersion and cultural development. The names may reflect tribal founders whose identities became synonymous with their territories—a common motif in Tanach (e.g., Mitzrayim for Egypt).

Modern Orthodox Scholarship

Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch (Bereishit 10:27) emphasizes the Torah's precision in recording these names to affirm the Divine plan for diverse nations, each with a role in humanity's development—a theme later expanded in Avraham's blessing (Bereishit 12:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are Hadoram, Uzal, and Diqla mentioned in Genesis 10:27?
A: Hadoram, Uzal, and Diqla are descendants of Joktan, who was a grandson of Shem (Noah's son). According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, these names refer to ancient tribes or regions. The Torah lists them to trace the lineage of nations after the Flood.
Q: Why does the Torah list these names in Genesis 10:27?
A: The Torah lists these names to document the spread of humanity after the Flood, showing how Noah's descendants populated different regions. Rambam explains that such genealogies help us understand the origins of nations and their connections to the Jewish people.
Q: Is there any significance to these names in Jewish tradition?
A: Yes, Jewish tradition (as found in Midrash and commentaries) sometimes links these names to historical places or tribes. For example, some identify 'Uzal' with a region in Arabia. However, the primary focus is on their role in the genealogy of Shem's line, leading to Abraham and the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from genealogies like Genesis 10:27?
A: Genealogies teach us the importance of family history and Divine providence in shaping nations. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) notes that these lists highlight how Hashem guided humanity's repopulation after the Flood, ultimately leading to the birth of the Jewish nation through Abraham.