The Descendants of Shem

10 This is the history of the generations of Shem. Shem was one hundred years old and became the father of Arpachshad two years after the flood. 11 Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of sons and daughters. 12 Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah. 13 Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of sons and daughters. 14 Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber: 15 and Shelah lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Eber, and became the father of sons and daughters. 16 Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 11:10-16

Commentary on Genesis 11:10-26

(Read Genesis 11:10-26)

Here is a genealogy, or list of names, ending in Abram, the friend of God, and thus leading towards Christ, the promised Seed, who was the son of Abram. Nothing is left upon record but their names and ages; the Holy Ghost seeming to hasten through them to the history of Abram. How little do we know of those that are gone before us in this world, even of those that lived in the same places where we live, as we likewise know little of those who now live in distant places! We have enough to do to mind our own work. When the earth began to be peopled, men's lives began to shorten; this was the wise disposal of Providence.