Interesting Facts

• Havilah is identified in the sources as one of the sons of Joktan.
• His name is included within the genealogical records that trace the descendants of Shem following the great flood.

Genealogy

• Father: Joktan.
• He is listed among the twelve sons of Joktan, whose brothers include Almodad, Sheleph (Shelaf), Hazarmaveth (Chazarmoveth), Jerah (Yerach), Hadoram (Hadurom), Uzal (Ozel), Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, and Jobab.

Historical Context

As a descendant of Joktan, Havilah’s existence is situated within the post-diluvian world, subsequent to the great flood and the pivotal event of the dispersal of languages and peoples from the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar. The sources indicate that the initial generations born after the flood appeared between the years 1658-1680 A.M.. Joktan, the father of Havilah, was born in the year 1772 A.M., a period during which the lifespan of humanity began to diminish, according to the Book of Jasher. Consequently, Havilah, being a son of Joktan, would have lived in an era marked by the repopulation of the earth, the formation of distinct linguistic groups, and the early stages of settlement in diverse territories. The region designated for Joktan and his sons was “from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east”, suggesting their establishment in the eastern parts of the known world. This period also witnessed the emergence of influential figures such as Nimrod, who commenced the establishment of kingdoms in the land of Shinar. Furthermore, the influence of fallen angelic beings seeking to mislead humanity and the increase in wickedness are also noted characteristics of this epoch.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Havilah, the son of Joktan, within the scope of these ancient texts, is limited to his inclusion in the genealogical records. He is mentioned solely as one of the twelve sons born to Joktan, thereby situating him within the extensive lineage originating from Shem following the flood and the subsequent events at the Tower of Babel. The sources do not ascribe any specific actions, dialogues, or personal history to Havilah. His existence is documented through his familial connection to Joktan and his place among his eleven brothers. As one of the sons enumerated, he forms part of a family unit that settled in the eastern territories as humanity dispersed from Shinar. While the broader historical context describes a transformative era characterized by migrations, the development of distinct societies, and the diversification of language and culture, Havilah’s individual role or experiences during this time are not recounted within these sources. Thus, his significance within these texts lies principally in his position within the genealogical framework as a descendant of Shem, contributing to the repopulation and diversification of the earth in the post-diluvian world and after the confusion of tongues.