Multiply on the Earth [Genesis 10]

 ³¹These are the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their languages, by their lands, according to their nations. ³²These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood.

As Noah and his family were leaving the ark God sent them out with these words, "Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." (Gen. 8:16-17) In chapter 10 there are lists of names of sons, grandsons and their sons and places they went and the nations they became.  God very carefully left a record of each family.  Every single person was important as they multiplied the earth and the nations were formed. As we read the Old Testament we will find many chapters devoted to listing the names of the head of families. 

What does this say about God?   He is a family God.  Families are very important to Him.  Nations are also important to Him and we can see how He carefully established the nations and how each one came through this man Noah, who knew God and was right before God. 

LORD God, You are Almighty God and yet You tenderly care about each person.  You were careful to give them each a rich heritage and a foundation of knowing You.  We praise You that You continue to pursue each person even when they turn away from following You.  Thank You for being a God that places importance on the family and relationships.  Cause us to enjoy and appreciate the heritage and relationships in which You have placed each one of us.