Genesis 10:17 is part of the Table of Nations, a genealogical record found in Genesis 10 that traces the descendants of Noah's sons after the flood. Specifically, this verse lists the Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites, who were among the descendants of Canaan, one of Ham's sons. These names represent tribes or peoples that settled in the region known as Canaan, which is significant in biblical history as the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.
The Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites, like other groups mentioned in this chapter, contribute to the understanding of the ancient Near Eastern world and its complex web of relationships and territories. The Table of Nations serves as a foundational text for understanding the spread of humanity and the development of different cultures and languages after the flood. This genealogical record underscores the interconnectedness of all people and the shared ancestry that links diverse groups, reminding us of the unity and diversity within the human family.