בראשית, פרק י׳, פסוק כ״ו

The lineage presented traces a family tree deeply rooted in the southern Arabian Peninsula and Yemen. These descendants are primarily identified with ancient nomadic tribes and specific geographic regions, bearing names with a distinct Arab character [קאסוטו].

The origin of the first descendant, Almodad, is a subject of debate. One perspective suggests the name combines the Arabic word for "friend" with a definite article [קאסוטו]. However, others argue that attaching a definite article to a personal name is unlikely. Instead, the entire word forms a single root, even though the exact historical identity of this particular nation has faded over time [שד״ל]. Following him is Sheleph, which corresponds to a specific district or tribe in Yemen, recognized by early historians as an ancient Arab nation [שד״ל, קאסוטו].

The name Hazarmaveth carries both geographic and profound spiritual significance. The primary approach among later commentators is that it refers to a famous district in southern Yemen that retains its name today, a region historically celebrated for growing myrrh and frankincense [שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, קאסוטו]. Classical commentators note that the son was simply named after this prominent location [רש״י, משכיל לדוד].

Beyond its geography, the name itself carries a literal association with death, reflecting the unique lifestyle of its inhabitants. According to early traditions, these people subsisted on simple, meager food and lived with a daily anticipation of their own mortality [מזרחי, שפתי חכמים, גור אריה]. Rather than a sign of despair, this was a deliberate spiritual choice of self-denial. While living in an era of material wealth, they rejected physical pleasures, jealousy, and the pursuit of riches, aspiring instead toward a pure, spiritual existence in the afterlife. This profound ability to resist worldly temptations was inherited from their father, Joktan. His name signifies smallness and humility, the essential traits required to rise above material indulgence [חומש קה״ת].

Finally, Jerah is closely tied to the Hazarmaveth territory. The name either refers to a local peak known as the Mountain of the Moon [שד״ל], or reflects a moon deity that was highly revered among ancient Arab tribes [קאסוטו].