Scripture to Read: Genesis 10:8-20
Yesterday, we took a closer look at some reasons to pay attention to genealogies in God’s Word. We also saw that God mentions a little more detail about Nimrod in Genesis 10. Interestingly, God has Moses describe Nimrod as “mighty” three different times in Genesis 10:8-9. God also has Moses be sure and include this about Nimrod, that the beginning of his kingdom was Babel (eventually called Babylon). Nimrod was a mighty one on the earth, but he was not mighty for a good purpose. Nimrod ruled over Babel, and the people of Babel were the first to have an organized rebellion against God. We also need to note here that even the name, Nimrod, means “let us rebel.” So, when God’s Word says, Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD, this was not a compliment. The idea God paints for us is that Nimrod was an offense before God. Nimrod was such an offense to God because Nimrod was NOT a hunter of animals BUT a hunter of men. Nimrod was a blood-thirsty warrior. Through his ability to fight, kill, and rule, Nimrod’s kingdom grew. Another problem with Nimrod is that he considered himself greater than God. Satan got himself kicked out of heaven for thinking himself greater than God, so Nimrod was definitely an offense to God. Remember, Nimrod is a descendant of Ham. Many of Nimrod’s descendants later on in God’s Word became enemies of Israel. We read in Genesis 10:13-20 of the rest of Ham’s descendants. Many of Ham’s lineage rebelled against God as well.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about Nimrod, his life, and his descendants?
2. How are you living your life and seeking to lead others so that others are not rebellious against our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!