Genesis 10:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

From Canaan originated Sidon, after which the city of Sidon in Phoenicia is named. Next is Arakei, who established Arkas, a city located opposite Tripoli at the base of Lebanon. Nearby this city was another called Sin, which was later devastated through various conflicts, leaving only its name associated with the area. The Arads claimed the island of Arad, which is separated from the Phoenician shore by a narrow channel. The Samaritans possess the renowned city situated in the Syrian highlands known as Emessa. Amath still retains its historical designation today, recognized by both Jews and Syrians. The Macedonians, who governed the East following Alexander's reign, renamed the city Epiphanius. Some speculate that this reference (to Amath) could be linked to Antioch. Others, though mistakenly, propose that it refers to Emas, the initial stop along the route from Antioch to Edessa, asserting that it was the same city that ancient sources identified as Emath.

The Jebusites inhabited Jerusalem until David's reign (Num. 15:63, 2 Sam. 5:6-9). The tribe of Emory was powerful across the Jordan River (Num. 21:26). The Girgashites engaged in battle with the Israelites to the west of the Jordan (Num. 24:11). As a result, it is challenging to categorize it alongside the Girgashites (Matt. 8:28).