Overview
Joktan was a descendant of Shem through Eber and the father of thirteen sons whose names are listed in Genesis 10. He lived during the period of human dispersion following the Tower of Babel. His family line became associated with various Arabian peoples and territories.
Key Scriptures
"And Eber lived thirty-four years and fathered Peleg. And Eber lived after he fathered Peleg 430 years and had other sons and daughters" (Genesis 10:25-26, ESV). "And Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan" (1 Chronicles 1:20, ESV).
Application
Joktan's genealogy reminds us that God's providence extended to all nations and peoples, establishing boundaries for human habitation according to His sovereign plan.