Overview
Obal appears in the Table of Nations as a son of Joktan, who was himself a son of Eber and a descendant of Shem. These genealogies record the distribution of peoples after the flood and establish the lineage leading to Abraham. Obal's inclusion in Scripture's genealogical records demonstrates God's sovereign knowledge and oversight of all nations and peoples throughout history.
Key Scriptures
"Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan." (Genesis 10:26-29, ESV)
"Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab." (1 Chronicles 1:20-23, ESV)
Application
These genealogies remind us that God's Word preserves the history of all peoples, affirming that every nation has value in God's sight and that His plan encompasses all humanity.