The account of the blessing and prophecy over Noah's sons is found in Genesis 9:18-29. This passage follows the narrative of the Flood, where Noah, his family, and pairs of all living creatures were preserved in the ark. After the waters receded, Noah emerged as the patriarch of a renewed human race. The events that unfold in this passage are significant for understanding the destinies of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their descendants.

Context and Background

Noah, described as a righteous man and blameless among his contemporaries (Genesis 6:9), found favor in the eyes of the Lord. After the Flood, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again and setting the rainbow as a sign of this covenant (Genesis 9:11-17). Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, were to repopulate the earth, and their actions and Noah's subsequent pronouncements would shape the future of their lineages.

The Incident of Noah's Drunkenness

The narrative begins with Noah planting a vineyard and becoming drunk from the wine he produced. In his inebriated state, Noah lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Shem and Japheth, however, took a garment, walked in backward, and covered their father's nakedness without looking at him (Genesis 9:20-23).

Noah's Pronouncement

Upon awakening and learning what had transpired, Noah uttered a prophetic pronouncement over his sons. This pronouncement is both a blessing and a curse, reflecting the actions of his sons and their future implications:

1. Curse on Canaan: "Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers" (Genesis 9:25). Although Ham was the one who saw Noah's nakedness, the curse is directed at Canaan, Ham's son. This has been interpreted as a prophetic declaration concerning the future subjugation of the Canaanites, who would later inhabit the land promised to the descendants of Shem (the Israelites).

2. Blessing on Shem: "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem" (Genesis 9:26). Shem is blessed with a special relationship with the Lord, and his descendants are associated with the line through which the covenant promises would continue, ultimately leading to the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

3. Blessing on Japheth: "May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem; and may Canaan be his servant" (Genesis 9:27). Japheth is blessed with expansion and prosperity. The phrase "dwell in the tents of Shem" has been interpreted to mean that Japheth's descendants would benefit from the spiritual blessings associated with Shem's line.

Theological Implications

The blessings and curses pronounced by Noah have been seen as foundational for understanding the unfolding of biblical history. The curse on Canaan foreshadows the eventual conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, descendants of Shem. The blessings on Shem and Japheth highlight the themes of divine election and the spread of God's blessings to all nations, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

From a conservative Christian perspective, this passage underscores the sovereignty of God in directing human history and the importance of honoring one's family and maintaining righteousness. The actions of Shem and Japheth in covering their father's nakedness are often cited as examples of respect and propriety, while Ham's indiscretion serves as a warning against dishonor and disrespect.