Genesis 9:24-29 – Curse and Blessing
Noah comes to himself, realises what he has done, and he finds out what his sons have done. God gives him the spirit of prophecy, and he tells his sons what will happen to them. Ham and his descendants are cursed. These are the Canaanites whom 800 years later the Israelites will destroy in battle or force to become their slaves. Children often have to bear the consequences of their father’s sins, especially when they imitate their father’s sins and refuse to ask God for mercy. Ham has dishonoured his father, so God will dishonour him. Though God’s curses operate slowly, sooner or later, they will take effect. The Canaanites prospered for awhile, but then their judgement came.
Noah blesses God for giving him two righteous sons in Shem and Japheth. He praises God for the good things that Shem and Japheth do. We can only do what is right because God gives us the ability to do it. The Lord is to be Shem’s God, and Shem and his descendants are to be His people. This is the greatest blessing Shem could have. Shem’s descendants will be the Jews, the Israelites, who will enslave Canaan one day. Noah also blesses Japheth with prosperity and fruitfulness.
Noah lives only 19 years less than Methuselah. This long life is a blessing from God, but after having lived to see two worlds, when Noah dies, he goes to a better one.
Questions
- What is Ham’s curse?
- What is Shem’s blessing?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would turn away from the sins around us.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters