Genesis 9:18-28: A Sobering Lesson After the Flood

This passage in Genesis isn’t an easy one, but it’s important for us to understand even if it raises some uncomfortable questions. It shows us that even after a fresh start, like the one after the flood, humans still struggle with sin.

What Happened?

Noah, who we know as a righteous man, plants a vineyard and gets drunk from the wine. He ends up naked in his tent, and his son Ham sees him. Ham tells his brothers Shem and Japheth, who respectfully cover their father without looking at him. When Noah wakes up, he learns what happened and curses Ham’s son, Canaan, while blessing Shem and Japheth.

Why is this Important?

This story highlights a few key things:

1. Nobody’s Perfect: Even Noah, chosen by God to survive the flood, wasn’t immune to making mistakes. We all mess up sometimes, and that’s part of being human.
2. Respect Matters: Shem and Japheth’s actions show us how important it is to treat others with respect, even when they’re in a vulnerable state. They covered their father and avoided shaming him.
3. Actions Have Consequences: Ham’s actions had serious consequences, not just for himself but for his descendants. This reminds us that our choices matter and can impact others.
4. God’s Sovereignty: Even in this difficult situation, God is still in control. He uses Noah’s words to pronounce blessings and curses that will shape the future of nations.

Questions for Reflection

1. Why do you think Noah got drunk? Was it just a mistake, or could there be deeper reasons?
2. How did Shem and Japheth show respect for their father? What can we learn from their example?
3. Why do you think Ham’s actions were so wrong? How could he have handled the situation differently?
4. It seems unfair that Canaan was cursed for something his father did. How can we reconcile this with God’s justice?
5. What does this story teach us about the ongoing struggle against sin, even after a new beginning?
6. How can we apply the lessons from this passage to our own lives today? How can we show respect for others, even when they make mistakes?

Challenge

Think about a time when you or someone you know made a mistake. How did people react? Was there respect and forgiveness, or was there shame and judgment? How can you promote a culture of grace and understanding in your relationships?

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Genesis 9:18-28: The Shame and Blessing

The Sin of Noah (v. 18-23)

“And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread. And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.”  

This passage presents a stark contrast to the righteous Noah we saw navigate the Flood. Spurgeon comments on Noah’s fall, saying, “Alas, what frail creatures we are. The best of men are but men at the best.” Matthew Henry adds, “It was a sad change that drunkenness made in Noah.” Noah’s drunkenness led to his shameful exposure. However, the greater sin lies with Ham. His actions reveal a lack of respect for his father. Henry notes, “It was a very indecent thing that Ham did.”

The Reactions of Shem and Japheth (v. 24-27)

“And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.”

Shem and Japheth’s response demonstrates honour and respect. Spurgeon remarks, “The conduct of Shem and Japheth is worthy of imitation.” They went to great lengths to protect their father’s dignity. In contrast to Ham’s disrespect, their actions earned them Noah’s blessing.

The Aftermath (v. 28)

“And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years.”

Despite this incident, Noah continued to live a long life. This underscores God’s grace and forgiveness. Even after stumbling, Noah remained a significant figure in God’s plan.

Conclusion

This passage highlights the importance of honour and respect, particularly towards parents. It also serves as a reminder that even the most righteous can fall. However, God’s grace and forgiveness remain available to all.

Additional Insights

• Some commentators see a prophetic element in Noah’s curse on Canaan. They interpret it as foreshadowing the subjugation of the Canaanites by the Israelites.
• The passage also demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of sin. Ham’s actions not only brought shame upon himself but also impacted his descendants.
• In contrast, Shem and Japheth’s actions secured blessings for their descendants. This emphasises the importance of making wise choices.

This commentary, drawing upon Spurgeon and Henry, provides a deeper understanding of this pivotal passage in Genesis. It invites us to reflect on our own actions and choices, and to strive to live lives that honour God and others.