Genesis 9:18-24

18 Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

20 Then Noah began farming and planted a vineyard. 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine, he knew what his youngest son had done to him. 25 So he said,

“Cursed be Canaan;

A servant of servants

He shall be to his brothers.”

 

I find this a bit confusing.  I am sure there are commentaries by seriously educated people about what all happened or didn't happen here.  But, I am really trying to study the Bible as it is without commentary. 

 

First.  Whatever there is to say about where Cain's wife came from, or other living creatures at the time of creation.  From here at least, God is clear.  We all descended from either Shem, Ham, or Japeth.  Cuz that is all there was. 

 

Second.  God is serious about modesty.  I don't know why it was such a big deal that Noah's son saw him naked.  I don't understand how seeing him naked was "doing" something to him.  But, on whatever level this nakedness was, it was serious.  Maybe it was because of the disrespect that Noah was shown by his son.  Either way, God wasn't happy and Noah wasn't happy.  

 

Third.  Coming from my family history, I would have been more upset that Noah was drunk.  But, that was not what was highlighted as the poor choice in this little section of scripture.  God and I do not always think alike, but He is always right.