Interesting Facts

• Tiras is listed as one of the seven sons of Japheth.
• The sons of Tiras are recorded as Benib, Gera, Lupirion, and Gilak.
• The descendants of Tiras are identified as the Rushash, Cushni, and Ongolis.
• The children of Tiras went forth and constructed cities for themselves.
• Tiras’ allotted inheritance consisted of four great islands in the midst of the sea.

Genealogy

• Tiras was a son of Japheth, who was one of the three sons of Noah born after the great flood.
• His brothers included Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, and Meshech.
• The sons of Tiras were Benib, Gera, Lupirion, and Gilak, who further populated his allotted territories.

Historical Context

The account of Tiras and his descendants is situated in the post-diluvian era, following the scattering of humankind from the land of Shinar after the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. This period was characterized by the division of the earth amongst the sons of Noah and subsequently amongst their own progeny. The sons of Japheth, including Tiras, dispersed to their designated regions, which for Tiras was the seventh portion, consisting of four significant islands in the midst of the sea. This era witnessed the establishment of distinct family groups, each forming their own communities and often naming their settlements after their lineage. The narrative suggests a world in flux, with families migrating and establishing their identities in their inherited lands.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Tiras primarily positions him as a founding ancestor of a specific people group inhabiting islands in the sea following the dispersal from Babel. The text indicates that after the division of the land, Tiras and his sons journeyed to their inheritance, which comprised four notable islands within the sea. Like the other sons of Japheth, the children of Tiras are noted to have built cities, further establishing their presence in their allocated domain. The descendants of Tiras are listed, signifying the continuation of his lineage in those maritime territories. While the sources do not detail specific actions or interactions of Tiras himself, his role is significant as it contributes to the broader narrative of the repopulation and diversification of the earth after the events at Shinar. His inheritance of islands distinguishes his lineage geographically, suggesting a maritime orientation for his descendants.