Story 9

Chapter 9

18 The sons of Noah, who came out of the Ark, were Shem, Ham and Japheth. Later Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These were the sons of Noah out of whom the population spread across the Earth.

20 Noah became a farmer and he grew a vineyard. 21 he started drinking wine and became rather intoxicated, so that he uncovered himself in the middle of his tent. 22 Later, Ham saw his father’s nakedness and went and made fun of him to his two brothers who were standing outside. 23 So, Shem and Japheth took a covering and put it on both their shoulders and entered the tent backwards. They covered their naked father, while they turned their faces away, so that they did not see his nakedness.

24 Noah finally woke up from the wine and got to know what his youngest son did to him. 25 Then he spoke:-

“Cursed be Canaan. Let him become the lowest slave of his brother.” 26 He continued, “Blessed be God, Shem’s God and let Canaan become a slave to him. 27 Let God grant ample land to Japheth and let him reside in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan become his slave too.

28 Noah continued to live 350 years after the flood. 29 So Noah got to live to 950 years and then he died.

This story shows that Noah should have been treated with far more respect as he was chosen from all his contemporaries to build the ark and save mankind. Ham had no respect for him, which meant he was cursed and so were his descendants. We should have respect for our parents and the elderly and not make fun of their sin. We too are sinners.