Genesis 10:21-31, contrary to your request, actually details the descendants of Shem, another son of Noah, rather than the descendants of Ham. This section is the continuation of the “Table of Nations” in the Bible, which provides a genealogical accounting of the descendants of Noah’s sons after the flood. Here’s an outline of these verses:
- Verse 10:21 introduces Shem as the elder brother of Japheth and mentions that he is also the ancestor of all the children of Eber.
- Verse 10:22 lists the sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.
- Verses 10:23-24: The descendants of Aram are listed, including Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech. Arphaxad fathered Shelah, and Shelah fathered Eber.
- Verses 10:25-29: These verses introduce two sons of Eber: Peleg (in his time the earth was divided) and Joktan. Joktan’s descendants are then listed, including Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. These are all sons of Joktan.
- Verses 10:30: The dwelling place of Joktan’s descendants is described, stretching from Mesha toward Sephar, a mountainous region in the east.
- Verse 10:31: This verse summarizes the lineage by stating these are the sons of Shem according to their clans and languages, in their territories and nations.
This portion of Genesis aims to trace the lineage of Shem and the nations that are believed to have descended from him. These nations and peoples are primarily associated with the Middle East and are considered to be Semitic peoples in the biblical narrative. The genealogies in Genesis were a way for the ancient Israelites to understand their relationships with neighboring peoples and cultures.