Genesis 10:9

9. A mighty hunter Or, a hero of hunting; a powerful man in the chase . Such a hero would also be likely to become a mighty warrior . Bold and expert hunters have usually been the great pioneers of civilization, and their prowess became developed by fierce conflicts both with savage beasts and savage men. The Assyrian monuments, covered with scenes of hunting and of war, commemorate the daring and the prowess of ancient Ninevite kings. Accordingly some of the best interpreters (as Delitzsch and Lange) regard this description of Nimrod as a praiseworthy account of his work as a pioneer of culture and civilization; and the proverb recorded in this verse, instead of being a stigma on his name, was rather intended to commemorate him as a benefactor of the race. Others, however, understand the words before the Lord to imply some hostility towards Jehovah; like the phrase before God (Elohim) in Genesis 6:11, which seems to enhance the wickedness of the antediluvians . So the Septuagint ( εναντιον ) and the Jerusalem Targum . These regard him as notoriously violent; so bad that God could not take his eyes from him . (Lewis . ) Nimrod was the first of the long line of bloody conquerors whose cruel ambition has cursed the earth .