Shem and his brothers, Ham and Japheth, built the ark with their father, Noah. They gathered the animals onto it and, at a signal from God, left the world that they had known and entered the ark along with their wives. After the flood, Noah became the first vintner and discovered the art of wine-making. One day, having discovered his father lying drunk and naked in his tent, Ham mocked him and abused him in a lewd manner which is euphemistically described as "having looked upon his father's nakedness." He then invited his brothers to join in this sin. Instead, Shem and Japheth grabbed a blanket and, walking backwards so as not to view their father's shame, covered him with it.
When Noah awoke and saw what Ham had done to him, he cursed his wicked son's offspring, Canaan, the father of the Canaanites. He then blessed Shem for his compassion and respect saying, "Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant." Shem became the father of the Israelites who killed and enslaved the Canaanites when they entered the Promised Land.
Gen 5:32; 6:10; 7:13; 9:18-27; 10:21-31; 11:10-11
All scripture quotes are from the KJV Bible unless otherwise indicated.
Comments© 1998 by Suzetta Tucker
To cite this page:
Tucker, Suzetta. "Jesse Tree Advent Calendar - December 6
- Shem." ChristStory Christian Bestiary. 1998. http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/legend01/6shem.htm
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