Throughout Genesis there are multiple instances where the genealogy of the Israelites is recounted. This is used for a variety of reasons. One reason is to trace the Hebrew descendants back to the beginning of time, and also to represent the continuation of the covenant. Fred Blumenthal asserts that the names used in the genealogy before and after the creations of many nations have different meanings. This is important in understanding God’s favor because in order to be in favor there must be the belief in one God and to follow his rules. The story of the Tower of Babel, for example, signifies the distinction of man and the creation of many different types of people. The difference in language would also result in the formation of separate tribes who worship different gods. With a large portion of the human race worshiping different gods, it establishes the grouping of those are in favor of the one true God and those who are not. Blumenthal notes, The period from Noah to Abraham can be divided into two major eras, separated by the Tower of Babel…The first era describes mourning and fear for the future. The few survivors of the deluge had all lost friends and relatives. The era after Babel reveals the consequences of mankind's division into separate nations and linguistic groups. The names of this period hint at the existence of these new religions and the role of Abraham as an iconoclast who rediscovered the belief in one God (Blumenthal 251). It is crucial for the Hebrew people to understand their genealogy because it represents the covenant with God. The Israelites understood their favor in God’s eye through the procreation and continuation of their people from the beginning of times, before there was many nations.