Interesting Facts

• Diklah is listed as the seventh son of Joktan.
• His name appears in the genealogical records that document the lineage of Shem.

Genealogy

• Father: Joktan.
• He is identified as one of the twelve sons of Joktan, his brothers including Almodad, Sheleph/Shelaf, Hazarmaveth/Chazarmoveth, Jerah/Yerach, Hadoram/Hadurom, Uzal/Ozel, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab.

Historical Context

As a son of Joktan, the life of Diklah would have unfolded in the era following the great flood and the significant event of the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar. The sources indicate that after the divine intervention at Babel, the descendants of Noah dispersed, migrating across the earth and establishing new settlements, often naming them after their lineage or significant occurrences. Being a descendant of Shem through Joktan, Diklah would have likely participated in the eastward migrations characteristic of this lineage. The territory designated for Joktan and his sons is described as extending “from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east”. This suggests their settlement in regions east of Shinar. Additionally, the text of Jasher interprets the name Joktan as signifying a period when the lifespan of humanity began to decrease. Consequently, Diklah was probably born into a world undergoing significant demographic changes, the development of distinct languages, and the initial stages of societal organization and city-building after the dispersal from Babel. The emergence of powerful figures like Nimrod and the beginnings of kingdoms also mark this historical period.

Narrative

Within the available textual sources, the personal narrative of Diklah is limited to his inclusion in genealogical lists. His presence is noted solely as one of the sons of Joktan, thus placing him within the broader family lineage descending from Shem after the flood and the Tower of Babel incident. The sources do not attribute any specific actions, pronouncements, or individual biographical details to Diklah. His existence is documented through his familial connection to Joktan and his position among his brothers. As the seventh son mentioned, he is part of a significant family unit that established itself in the eastern territories following the scattering from Shinar. While the historical context portrays a transformative era characterized by extensive migrations, the establishment of new settlements, and the diversification of human culture and language, Diklah’s individual role or experiences during this time are not narrated in these sources. Therefore, his significance lies in his place within the genealogical record as a descendant of Shem, contributing to the repopulation and diversification of humanity in the world after the deluge.