Genesis 9:24-29 gives the account of the outcome of the sinful and saintly acts of Noah’s sons. Noah’s youngest son, Ham was disgraceful in dealing with his father’s shame, when Noah was inebriated, while the second born Shem and the oldest son Japheth dealt decently in covering their father’s shame, as Noah lay intoxicated and naked, in his tent.
When Noah woke up and he found out what had transpired, Noah cursed Ham’s son, Canaan, with the curse of enslavement. Ham’s descendants would perpetually be the not mere servants, but servant of servants (akin to slaves) to his brothers, Shem and Japheth. On the other hand, Japheth, the oldest, is blessed by Noah with the blessing of enlargement, and Japheth shall dwell in the tents of Shem. Shem, on the other hand, is not directly blessed. Instead Noah, blesses the Lord God of Shem and in due course of time, we see that Shem becomes the father of Abram, later renamed Abraham (Genesis 11:10-32) who was given the blessing – in blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply you (Genesis 22:17). Eventually through the line of Abraham, Jesus Christ, the promised seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16) would be born, bringing about the blessing of God’s salvation to all mankind. In other words, the Lord God would enrich (bless) the generations of Shem through Abraham and eventually Jesus Christ.
Points to ponder:
Sin leads to the curse of enslavement while our act of not even looking at sin or its shame, as did Shem and Japheth, leads to enlargement and enrichment in and through Christ Jesus. Just as Japheth promise of enlargement is met with the condition of him dwelling in the tents of godly Shem, so also our enlargement is in Christ Jesus, not outside of him. Let our lives, bring about a blessing to the Lord God’s name, as Noah did of Shem. Can it be said of you, “Blessed be the Lord God of “?
Take a look at your life today and ask yourself the question … “If God was to look at me today, would I be given the verdict of being enslaved or enriched and enlarged (in Christ Jesus)?” Now answer it.
Genesis 9:24-29 (KJV)
24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.
26 And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
28 And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years.
29 And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.
