Almodad is a biblical figure mentioned in the Table of Nations, a genealogical record in Genesis that traces the descendants of Noah after the Great Flood. He is significant as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who are traditionally considered the progenitors of various Arabian tribes.
Almodad in Scripture
The name Almodad appears only twice in the King James Version of the Bible, both times as the first-named son in the list of Joktan’s offspring:
- Genesis 10:26 (KJV):“And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,”
- 1 Chronicles 1:20 (KJV):“And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,”
- Genealogical Context: Almodad is a descendant of Shem, one of Noah’s three sons. His line of descent is: Noah $\rightarrow$ Shem $\rightarrow$ Arphaxad $\rightarrow$ Salah $\rightarrow$ Eber $\rightarrow$ Joktan $\rightarrow$ Almodad. This places him in the early post-Flood era, before the dispersion of peoples mentioned later in the chapter. His brothers’ names, such as Hazarmaveth, Sheba, and Ophir, are widely associated with regions in Southern Arabia, suggesting Almodad’s lineage settled in that general area.
Meaning of the Name
The precise meaning of the Hebrew name Almodad (‘Almลแธฤแธ) is debated among scholars, but common interpretations include:
- “Measure of God”: Suggesting divine proportion or boundary.
- “Immeasurable”: Conveying boundlessness or vastness.
- “The Beloved (of God)”: Indicating favor or divine love.
The naming of the first son of a lineage with a name meaning “immeasurable” may foreshadow the vast territory and large number of descendants associated with the Joktanite tribes in Southern Arabia.
Prophetic Hotspot: The Lineage of Nations
The inclusion of Almodad in the “Table of Nations” (Genesis 10) is of immense importance, as it underscores the biblical truth that God is the sovereign Ruler who determines the origin, boundaries, and historical movements of every nation on earth. The detailed listing of these lineages, long before the call of Abraham, establishes that God’s plan encompasses all peoples. The sons of Joktan, through Almodad, settled regions later known for trade and wealth (like Sheba and Ophir), which brought them into contact with Israel, forming part of the larger divine tapestry of international relations woven throughout Scripture.
The Return Question: Boundaries and God’s Sovereignty
Question for Discussion: The name Almodad, possibly meaning “measure of God,” points to God’s precise and sovereign authority over the world’s geography and history. The Apostle Paul affirms this in Acts 17:26 (KJV), saying God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” How does the clear biblical teaching that God sets the bounds of every nation’s habitationโfrom Almodad’s tribe to the present dayโinfluence our understanding of world events and the prophetic fulfillment that precedes the Lord’s Return?