The Sons of Noah
Genesis 9:18–19 (NASB95)
18Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.
Genesis 9:18-19 shifts the focus from Noah to his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These men become the ancestors of all post-flood humanity, tasked with repopulating the earth. The text highlights Ham as the father of Canaan, a detail that prepares readers for the later narrative involving Canaan’s descendants. This mention is not incidental; it sets the stage for understanding the moral and geographical tensions that will shape Israel’s history.
The passage marks a transition from the flood story to the unfolding of human history through Noah’s descendants. It connects back to earlier genealogies and anticipates the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which traces the spread of peoples across the earth. The focus on Noah’s sons underscores the continuity of God’s covenant and blessing, now carried forward by a new generation. But which of Noah’s sons will carry forward God’s plan for humanity?
The relationship between Ham and Canaan introduces a complex theological theme. As we will see, Ham will commit a grievous offense against Noah. So a few things to be said at this point:
Remember the theme we are following from Genesis 3:15. There will be two groups of people – those that belong to God and those that do not. Even after the flood, these two groups become evident with what Ham is about to do his father.
The Genesis narrative is preparing you as the reader to understand why Ham will not be chosen to carry forward God’s plan.
The Genesis narrative is preparing you for the conflict Israel will face when they move into the land of Canaan in later biblical narratives. As we will see, the Canaanites are a wicked people known for violence, sexual perversions, polytheism, and child sacrifice among other sins.
Lastly, the story helps us see that the actions of one generation (Ham) affect the futures of the next generations (the Canaanites). It’s a powerful lesson.
The church today must recognize its role as a community shaped by God’s covenant across generations. Like Noah’s sons, believers inherit both blessings and responsibilities. The story reminds us that our actions impact future generations, calling us to live faithfully and wisely. The church should teach stewardship of God’s blessings and encourage obedience to His commands. Understanding our place in God’s unfolding plan strengthens our commitment to His mission and to nurturing faith in those who follow us.