The Blessing of Shem and Japheth is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, which highlights the divine favor and prophetic destinies pronounced by Noah upon his sons after the Flood. This blessing is found in Genesis 9:26-27, following the incident involving Noah's vineyard and the subsequent actions of his sons.

Context and Background

After the Flood, Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard. In Genesis 9:20-21, it is recorded that Noah drank wine from his vineyard, became drunk, and 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 backward, and covered their father's nakedness without looking at him (Genesis 9:22-23).

When Noah awoke and learned what his youngest son had done, he pronounced a curse on Canaan, the son of Ham, and blessings upon Shem and Japheth. This incident is pivotal as it sets the stage for the destinies of Noah's descendants.

The Blessing

The blessing of Shem and Japheth is recorded in Genesis 9:26-27 :

26 "He also said: 'Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. 27 May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.'"

Interpretation and Significance

1. Shem's Blessing: The blessing upon Shem is unique in that it begins with a blessing of the LORD, the God of Shem. This indicates a special relationship between Shem and the LORD, suggesting that Shem's descendants would have a significant spiritual heritage. From Shem's lineage would come the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites, through whom God would reveal Himself and His covenant promises. The emphasis on the LORD being the God of Shem underscores the spiritual primacy and the covenantal relationship that would be established with his descendants.

2. Japheth's Blessing: Japheth is blessed with expansion and enlargement. The phrase "may he dwell in the tents of Shem" has been interpreted to mean that Japheth's descendants would benefit from the spiritual blessings associated with Shem. This could imply a future sharing in the spiritual heritage and blessings that would come through Shem's line. Historically, Japheth's descendants are associated with the Indo-European peoples, and the expansion could refer to their widespread influence and territories.

3. Canaan's Servitude: The curse upon Canaan, Ham's son, is reiterated in the blessings of Shem and Japheth, indicating a future subjugation of Canaan's descendants. This prophecy is seen as being fulfilled in the later subjugation of the Canaanites by the Israelites, descendants of Shem, during the conquest of the Promised Land.

Theological Implications

The Blessing of Shem and Japheth carries profound theological implications. It highlights the sovereignty of God in determining the destinies of nations and peoples. The emphasis on Shem's spiritual blessing foreshadows the coming of the Messiah through the line of Shem, specifically through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Japheth's expansion and dwelling in the tents of Shem can be seen as a precursor to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the blessings of the Gospel, as the message of salvation through Jesus Christ extends beyond the Jewish people to all nations.

This passage also underscores the importance of honoring one's parents and the consequences of actions that dishonor them, as seen in the contrasting responses of Ham versus Shem and Japheth. The blessings and curses pronounced by Noah serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of righteousness and sin on future generations.