בראשית, פרק י׳, פסוק ד׳

The unfolding of humanity across the globe reflects a divine harmony in the formation of the earth's families. Rather than presenting a strict scientific list of every descendant, the historical record occasionally omits certain groups for unknown reasons [רד״ק]. Instead, the focus is on invoking the vastness of the world, using the names of distant lands and peoples to reveal God's comprehensive plan [קאסוטו]. The emergence of these ancient families is presented in two distinct ways: some are remembered by the geographic regions they settled, while others are known by the actual nations that grew from them [הכתב והקבלה, קאסוטו].

Among the geographic regions, Elishah echoes the ancient name for Greece, Hellas [שד״ל, שטיינזלץ]. It is also associated with an area or early Greek settlement in Cyprus, known in ancient records as Alashia [קאסוטו], while other views place it within Asia Minor [שד״ל]. Further expanding this map is Tarshish, which most scholars identify as the famous ancient port city of Tartessos in southern Spain [שד״ל, שטיינזלץ, קאסוטו], though some suggest it refers to Tarsus in Asia Minor [שד״ל].

Shifting from places to peoples, the identity of the Kittim is a subject of debate. The primary approach among commentators identifies them with the Romans and Italians, viewing the Greek and Roman empires as a single, continuous cultural and political entity [אבן עזרא, תולדות יצחק, פענח רזא, שטיינזלץ, מחוקקי יהודה]. Other perspectives identify them as the Macedonians [שד״ל, אם למקרא] or trace them to another Greek settlement in Cyprus [שד״ל, קאסוטו].

The final group, the Dodanim, presents a unique historical and geographical puzzle. Geographically, they are linked to the inhabitants of the island of Rhodes, the city of Dodona in Greece, or the ancient Dardanians of Troy [שד״ל, אם למקרא, קאסוטו]. In later biblical records, their name is spelled "Rodanim." Because the Hebrew letters for 'D' and 'R' look very similar, tradition preserved both spellings [רד״ק, קאסוטו]. Beyond a simple textual variation, this dual spelling carries a profound historical message regarding their relationship with the Israelites. When the Israelites are successful and powerful, these nations present themselves as loving relatives, reflecting the name Dodanim, which implies affection and closeness. Yet, when the Israelites are vulnerable and in decline, they transform into cruel oppressors, reflecting the name Rodanim, which denotes harsh rule and domination [פענח רזא, חזקוני].