The name Uzal, which is understood to mean “I shall be carried away” or “wandering,” is recorded in the genealogical registers as a descendant of Joktan, a son of Eber, who stood in the line of Shem. His name appears among the post-diluvian families who dispersed to populate the earth following the confusion of tongues at Babel.
The scripture documents his place within this early expansion: “And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah.” (Genesis 10:26-27). This Uzal is identified further in the corresponding genealogical register in the book of Chronicles: “And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah.” (1 Chronicles 1:20-21).
Uzal represents the patriarchal heads of the nations who spread out into the region of Southern Arabia. The historical and geographical significance of his name is often linked to the ancient region of San’a in Yemen, which in earlier times was referred to by the name of Uzal. He stands as a representative of the early tribes that developed civilizations long before the rise of the Israelite kingdom, showcasing the scope of the Lord’s providence in the development of the nations of the earth.
No other individuals by the name of Uzal appear in the biblical record. His inclusion in the text serves to preserve the memory of the families that descended from Shem, illustrating the continuity of humanity and the dispersion of clans across the ancient world.