These are the generations of Shem— The sacred historian having thus far given us an account of such events as concern all mankind, now prepares to quit the narration of general transactions, for the more immediate history of that family, which was chosen by God to be the vehicle of his sacred promises, as well as the progenitors of the Messiah. Accordingly, he resumes the genealogy of Shem and his third son Arphaxad, from whom Abram, the father of the faithful, was lineally descended. And it merits peculiar attention, as it serves to give a good reason of the longevity of the patriarchs, and the wisdom of God in that dispensation, that from Adam to Abram there were only three descents: for Adam lived to see Methuselah; Methuselah, Shem; and Shem, Abram; nay, Shem was alive even at the birth of Isaac: by which means it is easy to observe how well the tradition and notices of facts might be kept up, as well as the original language (whatever it was) spoken by Adam, and by all men, before the confusion at Babel. "This language," says Calmet, "was the Hebrew, or some language which had a very great conformity with the Hebrew."
REFLECTIONS.—The descendants of Shem to Abram are here recounted. This genealogy is preserved for our sakes, that we might see the fulfilment of God's promises in the woman's seed; among whose ancestors Abram stands in so distinguished a light. Note; the parts of scripture which seem least practical, are not always least useful. It is observable, the age of man gradually decreased after the flood, either from some physical causes operating upon the body, or from God's immediate hand. It is a blessing to us, that threescore years and ten are now the limits; a soul which is truly seeking God, will count it enough to be so long confined in a sinful world.