The Table of Nations is an important part of Genesis for various reasons. Not only does it explain the lineage from each of Noah's three sons, but it gives a theological backdrop and history from a later perspective (post-exilic author) looking back. As the specific lines of families are played out, it anticipates what is known by the author: the line of Shem, specifically Abram and his dependents, will clash with the line of Ham (Egypt, Mesopotamia, etc). This, ultimately, serves as a set up for Abram and what his role in the story will be. Needless to say, it will be significant. The Tower of Babel is a continuation story of the Garden and Flood. People choose to go against God in search of their own significance and glory only to be divinely stopped and redirected. What will change and how will this cycle stop? Genesis 12 begins to answer that mystery.