Character Study Of Shem, Ham, And Japheth Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF SHEM, HAM, AND JAPHETH – SONS OF NOAH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"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." – Genesis 9:18-19

Supporting Texts:

Genesis 5:32, Genesis 7:13, Genesis 9:18-27, Genesis 10:1-32, 1 Chronicles 1:4-5

INTRODUCTION:

Shem, Ham, and Japheth were the three sons of Noah, and through them, the world was repopulated after the flood. They were part of the eight people saved in the ark and witnessed both the judgement and mercy of God. Their lives represent different destinies, choices, and the consequences of their actions.

The story of these three brothers teaches us about generational blessings and curses. Shem became the ancestor of the Israelites and ultimately the lineage of Jesus Christ. Japheth’s descendants spread across the world and were blessed with enlargement. Ham, through his son Canaan, experienced a generational curse because of dishonour.

By studying their lives, we gain insight into God's dealings with nations and individuals. The choices we make today have long-term effects on our descendants, just as Shem, Ham, and Japheth shaped the history of humanity.

1. THE THREE SONS OF NOAH REPRESENTED THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY

After the flood, the entire human race descended from Noah’s sons.

a) They were part of the righteous remnant

God chose to save Noah’s family to start a new generation (Genesis 7:13).

b) They witnessed God's judgement and mercy

They saw how God destroyed the wicked but preserved the faithful (Genesis 8:18-19).

c) Each of them played a role in fulfilling God's plan

Their descendants became nations that shaped world history (Genesis 10:1-32).

d) Their actions affected their future generations

Shem’s lineage led to the Messiah, Ham’s descendants faced curses, and Japheth’s people expanded (Genesis 9:25-27).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s Sons

Isaac and Ishmael also became the fathers of great nations (Genesis 17:20-21).

2. SHEM: THE LINE OF THE MESSIAH

Shem was the blessed son, chosen to carry the spiritual heritage.

a) Shem was blessed by Noah

Noah declared that Shem’s descendants would be in covenant with God (Genesis 9:26).

b) His name means "Name" or "Renown"

This signifies his importance in biblical history.

c) He became the father of the Semitic nations

The Hebrews, Arabs, and Assyrians came from his lineage (Genesis 10:21-31).

d) Jesus Christ came through Shem's lineage

Shem’s genealogy led to Abraham, David, and Jesus (Luke 3:23-38).

e) Biblical Example: Other Chosen Lineages

God chose David’s lineage for the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

3. HAM: THE FATHER OF CANAAN AND AFRICAN NATIONS

Ham’s actions led to a generational curse upon his son Canaan.

a) Ham dishonoured his father

He saw Noah’s nakedness and mocked him instead of covering him (Genesis 9:22).

b) Noah cursed Ham’s son, Canaan

Canaan’s descendants became servants of Shem and Japheth (Genesis 9:25).

c) Ham’s descendants became powerful nations

Egypt, Cush (Ethiopia), and the Canaanites came from him (Genesis 10:6-20).

d) Many of his descendants opposed God’s people

The Canaanites, Philistines, and Egyptians fought against Israel.

e) Biblical Example: Other Dishonourable Sons

Reuben lost his birthright because of dishonour (Genesis 49:3-4).

4. JAPHETH: THE EXPANSION OF NATIONS

Japheth was blessed with enlargement and prosperity.

a) Japheth’s name means "Enlargement"

Noah declared that he would expand greatly (Genesis 9:27).

b) His descendants spread across Europe and Asia

The Greeks, Romans, and many other nations came from him (Genesis 10:2-5).

c) He was included in Shem’s blessing

He was promised to dwell in Shem’s tents, symbolising spiritual partnership (Genesis 9:27).

d) Many of his descendants embraced Christianity

The gospel reached Europe and Asia, fulfilling Noah’s blessing (Romans 15:12).

e) Biblical Example: Other People Blessed with Expansion

Jabez prayed for enlargement, and God granted it (1 Chronicles 4:10).

5. THE NATIONS THAT CAME FROM SHEM, HAM, AND JAPHETH

The three brothers became the ancestors of different world populations.

a) Shem’s descendants became the Israelites and Middle Eastern nations

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob came from Shem (Genesis 10:21-31).

b) Ham’s descendants became African and Canaanite nations

Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Philistines came from Ham (Genesis 10:6-20).

c) Japheth’s descendants became Indo-European nations

The Greeks, Romans, and Scythians came from Japheth (Genesis 10:2-5).

d) The table of nations in Genesis 10 traces all humanity to these three

The division of nations began from them.

e) Biblical Example: Other Key Ancestors in the Bible

Ishmael became the father of the Arab nations (Genesis 17:20).

6. STRENGTHS OF SHEM, HAM, AND JAPHETH

Each of them had strengths that shaped their destinies.

a) Shem was chosen for a divine purpose

God selected his lineage for the covenant (Genesis 9:26).

b) Ham’s descendants were strong and powerful

Many of them built great empires (Genesis 10:6-14).