Year 7, Day 9: Genesis 9

Theological Commentary: Click Here

At the end of Genesis 9 we have an odd little story that doesn’t get much press.  It starts off by telling us that Noah liked to work the ground.  I can imagine why someone who spent so much time on a boat surviving the flood found a passion for tilling the soil.

Noah grows plants.  In fact, Noah likes grapes – wine in particular.  He liked wine so much that one day he becomes dunk.  Noah struggles with impulsive behavior.  Mind you, there weren’t too many other people around at the time, so it’s not like this act had too many potential consequences.

Noah’s sons become aware of his state.  Ham, the father of Canaan, sees Noah and points it out to his brothers.  In other words, Ham demeans Noah.  Ham mocks his father.  Ham is willing to let his father’s reputation be tarnished in the eyes of others.  Ham demonstrates his humanity.  Ham is looking out for himself, not for others.

Noah’s other sons demonstrate their compassion for Noah.  Shem and Japheth go in and cover Noah in his drunken state.  They do what they can to help their father.  Noah had done something unwise, but Shem and Japheth showed that they cared more about Noah than their own enjoyment.  They cared more about saving Noah’s honor than trying to make themselves seem better by tearing Noah down.

This is a great concept to end this day upon.  When we have the opportunity to watch someone else fall, do we get others to look or do we reach out a hand and try to prevent as much of the fall as possible?  Are we looking out for ourselves or for others first?

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