Prophecies About Noah’s Family
June 1, 2024
Commentary
Noah lived faithfully for over 600 years but he was not perfect. Noah planted a vineyard and drank of the wine (vv. 20-21). He was drunk and naked in his tent (v. 22). Ham saw his father drunk and naked. This destroyed his respect and relationship with his father. When Ham reported it to his brothers (v. 22) they returned to their father and covered him, walking backwards to prevent them from seeing their father’s nakedness (v. 23). When Noah woke up, he knew what his younger son had done to him and pronounces a curse on Ham’s family which becomes the Canaanites (vv. 24-25). Canaan, Ham’s son would be a servant to Shem and Japheth (vv. 26-27). Noah lived a total of 950 years before he died (v. 29). The entire history of the world from the creation to the flood was no less than 1656 years.
In chapter 10 we can see a threefold division in the genealogies of the three sons of Noah: Japheth, Ham, and Shem. Fourteen families are listed starting with Japheth (vv. 1-5). The Russians, Bulgarians, Bohemians, Polish, Slavaks etc. came from Magog. The Indians and Iranic races came from Madai. The Greeks, Romans, French, Portuguese, Italians etc. came from Javan. The Germans, Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxons came from Teras. Most Americans are descended from these lines. Thirty families are listed starting with Ham (vv. 6-20). These include Egyptians, Ethiopians, Arabians, Babylonians, and Africans. Notorious Nimrod came from this family and was likely responsible for the tower of Babel. Thirty-Six families are listed starting with Shem (vv. 21-32). It was through these families that the royal line led to Abraham and eventually to Christ.
Application
In (Gen. 3:21) the Lord God made coats of skins and clothed Adam and Eve after they had sinned. Here in (Gen. 9:23) Shem and Japheth cover Noah without seeing him and are blessed. In (Rom. 4:7) we read “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins covered.” I am so thankful that the Lord has clothed me with His righteousness.
Genesis 9:20– 32 (NET)
20 Noah, a man of the soil, began to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of the wine, he got drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers who were outside. 23 Shem and Japheth took the garment and placed it on their shoulders. Then they walked in backwards and covered up their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so they did not see their father’s nakedness.
24 When Noah awoke from his drunken stupor he learned what his youngest son had done to him. 25 So he said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves he will be to his brothers.”
26 He also said, “Worthy of praise is the Lord, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem!
27 May God enlarge Japheth’s territory and numbers! May he live in the tents of Shem and may Canaan be the slave of Japheth!”
28 After the flood Noah lived 350 years. 29 The entire lifetime of Noah was 950 years, and then he died.
Illustration: What Are You Doing
In the fifties the major discipline problems in our public schools were cigarette smoking, skipping class, running in the halls, spit balls, chewing gum, and whispering in class. Today – the major problems are deadly weapons – kids carrying guns, knifes, and even assault weapons. This is followed by arson, drugs, vandalism, and drunkenness. Recently in Florida a high school teacher observed a number of boys in the corner of the gymnasium on their hands and knees. Rushing up to the boys, the teacher demanded, “ What are you doing?” One of the boys looked up and answered, “ We’re shooting dice!” The teacher responded with, “ Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were praying.” (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author)