Genesis 9:18-29

< Back to Genesis Index

TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Blessing and Cursing of Noah's Sons

Printed Version

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

God is dishonored with moral impropriety.

God is honored with moral integrity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

You are never immune to sin in this lifetime.

QUESTIONS

How did Noah’s three sons react to Noah’s drunkenness and nakedness?

Noah spoke a prophecy which contained both a blessing and a cursing. Who were the recipients of these prophecies?

What is the long-term effect of these prophecies?

Define moral impropriety. How did Noah show moral impropriety? How did Ham show moral impropriety?

Where does moral integrity begin?

ANSWERS

Ham, Noah’s youngest son, saw his father’s nakedness and mocked him. Shem and Japheth refused to look at him and covered him.

Noah’s prophecy blessed Shem and Japheth. Noah cursed Canaan, the son of Ham.

The blessing on the line of Shem ordained the Messianic line for Christ’s coming. The enlarging of Japheth’s descendants is well documented in history. The world’s greatest empires have come from the line of Japheth. The curse on Canaan, the son of Ham, is seen in the judgment of the Canaanites when the Israelites conquered Canaan and subjugated the Canaanites to forced labor.

It means to be morally improper. Noah showed moral impropriety when he got drunk and exposed himself. Ham showed moral impropriety when he mocked his father, dishonoring him.

It begins at home, is later seen in interaction with others.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

Most of us are descendants of Japheth. How have we found blessing because of Noah’s blessing on his sons?

Noah was a believer, but in one instance he exhibited moral impropriety. Ham was a believer, but he exhibited moral impropriety. As a godly person, how can you be an example of moral integrity? Start with your family, then move out to others.

CHALLENGE

You are never immune to sin in this lifetime. How can you keep up your guard? See 1 Peter 5:8-9. There are biblical examples of godly people who let down their guard. Walk in the Spirit, and depend on the Lord’s empowering or enabling.

KEY VERSES

“Noah drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent.” Genesis 9:21

“Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father.” Genesis 9:23

“Ham saw his father’s nakedness and told his brothers.” Genesis 9:22

“Cursed be Canaan...Blessed be the God of Shem...may God enlarge Japheth.” Genesis 9:25-27