Topical Bible: Children: Shem and Japheth

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Introduction:
Shem and Japheth are two of the three sons of Noah, the patriarch who survived the Great Flood as described in the Book of Genesis. They are significant figures in biblical history, representing the progenitors of various nations and peoples. Their account is primarily found in Genesis chapters 5 through 10.

Biblical Account:
Shem and Japheth, along with their brother Ham, were born to Noah before the floodwaters covered the earth. Genesis 5:32 states, "After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth" . These three sons accompanied Noah and his wife, along with their own wives, into the ark to escape the impending judgment upon a corrupt world.

The Great Flood:
The narrative of the flood is a pivotal event in the Bible, where God decides to cleanse the earth of its wickedness. Noah, being righteous, is chosen to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature. Shem and Japheth, as part of Noah's family, play a crucial role in the continuation of humanity post-flood.

The Incident of Noah's Drunkenness:
After the floodwaters receded and the ark came to rest, Noah planted a vineyard. Genesis 9:20-23 recounts an incident where Noah became drunk and lay uncovered in 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. This act of respect and discretion is noted in Genesis 9:23: "Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness" .

Blessings and Prophecies:
In response to this incident, Noah pronounced blessings and a curse upon his sons. Ham's son Canaan was cursed, while Shem and Japheth received blessings. Genesis 9:26-27 records Noah's words: "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem; and may Canaan be his servant" . This blessing indicates a special relationship between Shem and the LORD, as well as a promise of expansion and prosperity for Japheth.

Genealogies and Nations:
The descendants of Shem and Japheth are detailed in Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations. Shem is traditionally considered the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, including the Hebrews, Assyrians, and Arameans. Japheth is associated with the peoples of the Indo-European regions, including the Greeks, Medes, and others. Genesis 10:21-31 outlines the lineage of Shem, while Genesis 10:2-5 describes the descendants of Japheth.

Significance in Biblical History:
Shem and Japheth's actions and the subsequent blessings from Noah have theological and historical implications. Shem's lineage is particularly significant as it leads to Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation, and ultimately to Jesus Christ. Japheth's expansion is seen as a fulfillment of Noah's prophecy, with his descendants spreading across vast territories.

Conclusion:
The account of Shem and Japheth highlights themes of respect, obedience, and divine blessing. Their roles in the post-flood world set the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for humanity, as seen through the nations that emerged from their lineages.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 9:23
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
... of Shem is spoken of, must likewise be referred to Japheth. ... God shall dwell in the
tents of Shem." There is ... hill, in Zion, in the midst of the children of Israel ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessings of noah upon.htm

Of the Generations of the Three Sons of Noah.
... For we read, "Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Heber, the brother
of Japheth the elder, were children born." [872] This is the order of the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 3 of the generations of.htm

Jewish Chronology Continued.
... So great efficacy had that one word that from the three sons of Noah are begotten
in the family 72 children,"(viz.,) from Shem, 25; from Japheth, 15; and ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxvii jewish chronology continued.htm

The Story of Noah and the Ark
... few went away to other lands; so it came to pass that even the children of good ... So
Noah and his wife, and his three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, with their ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of noah and.htm

The Story of the Tower of Babel
... came out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth. Terah, a descendant of Shem, was
the father of Abraham ... appeared to Abraham and said, "To your children will I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of the tower.htm

Chapter ix
... which would have called for a "blessed" upon Japheth's lot rather ... Shem's spiritual
heritage is ours ... is become our father in faith and we are his true children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ix.htm

The Answer, that by the Law of Nature Men were from the Beginning ...
... 1558] and it is also described by the Apostle as having been given as a schoolmaster
[1559] to little children, as it ... Where had Shem and Japheth read "Thou ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxiii the answer that.htm

Chapter x
... (c) The Sons of Shem (v.21-31). 21. Children were born also to Shem, the father
of all the sons of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

The Tower of Babel.
... The sons of Noah were named Shem, Ham and Japheth. These sons in turn became the
fathers of children so that the descendants of Noah were very numerous. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/the tower of babel.htm

Chapter vi
... not care to choose God-fearing wives to rear their children, the result will be
that the children are not ... And Noah begat three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm