Overview
Shem, the eldest son of Noah, fathered many nations and peoples listed in Genesis 10. His descendants include Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram, establishing the Semitic language family and peoples. Most significantly, Shem's line produced Abraham and the nation of Israel, making him crucial to God's redemptive plan.
Key Scriptures
"Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the older brother of Japheth, had children" (Genesis 10:21, ESV).
"These are the generations of Shem. When Shem was 100 years old, he fathered Arphaxad two years after the flood" (Genesis 11:10, ESV).
"Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph... the son of Shem, the son of Noah" (Luke 3:36, ESV).
Application
Recognizing Shem's place in God's redemptive history reminds us that Jesus's earthly lineage was sovereignly preserved through faithful generations to accomplish our salvation.