Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'These are the generations of Shem' mean in Genesis 11:10?
A: The phrase 'These are the generations of Shem' introduces the lineage of Shem, one of Noah's sons. In Jewish tradition, this marks the continuation of the righteous line that would eventually lead to Avraham and the Jewish people. Rashi explains that the Torah traces Shem's descendants to show the fulfillment of Noah's blessing (Genesis 9:26-27) and to establish the chain of tradition.
Q: Why does the verse mention Shem's age when he had Arpakhshad?
A: The Torah specifies Shem's age (100 years old) to teach us about the timeline after the flood and to contrast it with the generations before the flood, who had children at much younger ages (like Noah at 500, Genesis 5:32). Ramban notes that after the flood, lifespans gradually decreased, and this verse marks the transition in human longevity.
Q: Why does the verse say Arpakhshad was born 'two years after the flood'?
A: The Torah emphasizes 'two years after the flood' to clarify the timeline. Rashi explains that the flood lasted one year (from Noah's 600th year until his 601st), and Shem was 98 during the flood. Since he was 100 when Arpakhshad was born, this confirms that two full years passed after the flood ended before this birth occurred.
Q: What is the significance of tracing Shem's lineage in the Torah?
A: Tracing Shem's lineage is crucial because, as the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:7) explains, Shem was the ancestor of Avraham and thus the entire Jewish people. The Sages teach that this lineage represents the transmission of monotheism and righteousness, as opposed to the corrupted ways of other nations descended from Ham and Yefet.
Q: How does Shem's lineage apply to us today?
A: Shem's lineage reminds us of our spiritual heritage. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 10a) teaches that Shem (along with Ever) maintained a yeshiva where Torah values were preserved after the flood. This shows the importance of transmitting tradition through generations—a core Jewish value that continues today in Torah study and family life.
The Generations of Shem
The verse states: "These are the generations of Shem: Shem was a hundred years old, and begot Arpakhshad two years after the flood" (Genesis 11:10). This begins the genealogical record of Shem, one of Noach's three sons, whose lineage leads to Avraham Avinu and ultimately to the Jewish people.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi notes that the Torah emphasizes Shem's age (100 years) at the time of Arpakhshad's birth to contrast it with his father Noach, who was 500 years old when he began having children (Genesis 5:32). This teaches that after the flood, human lifespans began to decrease—a process that continued until the time of Avraham.
The Timing of Arpakhshad's Birth
The phrase "two years after the flood" is significant. The Seder Olam Rabbah (Ch. 1) calculates that Shem was 98 years old during the flood itself, meaning he waited two years before having children. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 30:7) suggests that after witnessing the destruction of the flood, people initially refrained from marriage and procreation out of fear. Only later did they resume building families.
Spiritual Significance of Shem's Lineage
The Ramban explains that the Torah traces Shem's descendants in detail because they were the bearers of monotheistic tradition. Unlike Cham or Yefet, Shem's lineage preserved the knowledge of Hashem, culminating in Avraham, who would teach this truth to the world. The Malbim adds that this verse underscores the divine providence guiding history toward the emergence of the Jewish people.
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