Genesis 10:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I have been unable to identify the modern names of these thirteen nations. However, given their distant location, it is possible that they continue to use their original names, or we simply lack knowledge of their current designations. These nations governed the entire Indian territory known as Jeriah, starting from the river Kophen.

Almodad. According to Boharg, Allumeotes is found amid the blessed region of Arabia. Shalef. This name is derived from the Salapenes. Hatsarmavef. This term comes from the Arabic Hadramawt. Due to the challenges associated with pronouncing it, the Greeks referred to it with names such as Adramita, Hatramis, and Hatramitis. The area represented by these names is abundant in myrrh and frankincense, though it is not conducive to health; this latter aspect aligns with the title חצרמות, Land of Death. Merach. This signifies the moon. Bochart draws a parallel to the ancient people known as Αλιλαιοι, now referred to as בני הלאל, the children of the moon.