Noah curses his grandson

[Yebo]

Greetings to all from a sunny South Africa.

From the contents of Gen 9:18-23, it is evident that after Noah planted a vineyard he had a bit much to drink and passed out. His youngest son Ham "sinned" against him and told his 2 older brothers accordingly who then covered Noah with a garment. According to Gen 10, Japheth had 7 sons (Gen 10:2), Shem 5 (Gen 10:22) and Ham 4 (Gen 10:6). The names of Hams sons were Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan.

Gen 9:24 & 25 is very clear that when Naoh found out what Ham (his youngest son) did to him, he then said: "Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of the slaves will he be to his brothers." He then carries on by blessing his other 2 sons in verses 26 & 27.

The questions I would like to ask at this point is the following:

1. Why did Noah curse Ham's son Canaan and not Ham who did him wrong?
2. Could it be that Noah included a blessing for Japheth and Shem because they covered him?
3. Why was the curse limited to Canaan alone and did it not include his brothers as well?

Thank you very much and may the Blessing - Jesus - be a wonderful reality to you all

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

I don't know why Ham's son, possibly because from him the nation of canaan will come. The other sons were blessed becaused they covered Noah. Ham, instead of doing that exposed him. Thus, only his family and people that will come later (nation of Canaan) will be cursed because of that one act.

 

[daveleau]

There are some records of wrongdoing in the OT that are not condemned by the authors. For instance, we know it is wrong to lie. The OT records 2 instances where Sarah lies for Abraham, yet does not condemn it. It is supposed to be understood that it is wrong. I believe this is what is going on here. Noah sinned by getting drunk. He was upset about his son accidentally seeing him naked and he cursed him.
Looking at the context of the Bible, there is no time that God is shown as being vindictive like this.

This story is simply a record of what happened and we are supposed to see the folly of his actions through the context of the rest of the Bible.

 

[ClementofRome]

Why did Noah curse Ham's son Canaan and not Ham who did him wrong?

Because he was hung-over and not thinking clearly!

 

[KleinerApfel]

Because he was hung-over and not thinking clearly!

I think you're close to the truth there!

Ever done something stupid, felt ashamed, then lashed out at your nearest and dearest who happened to come along at the wrong moment?
Looks like that might have happened here.

Of course, the lad being disrespectful deserved punishment, but cursing his heir and bloodline is rather over-the-top isn't it?

Blessings, Susana

 

[Yebo]

I think you're close to the truth there!

Ever done something stupid, felt ashamed, then lashed out at your nearest and dearest who happened to come along at the wrong moment?
Looks like that might have happened here.

Of course, the lad being disrespectful deserved punishment, but cursing his heir and bloodline is rather over-the-top isn't it?

Blessings, Susana

Greetings from a sunny South Africa

Could be but then why would Noah (even with his hang-over) immediatley bless his other 2 sons whereby he indicates that Canaan and Canaan alone be the slave of his 2 uncle's??

Be BLESSED by the BEST and stay within the confinements of PEACE

 

[ChrisB]

This is a difficult one but it could be that it was a mirror image of Ham's offence against his father Noah. Alternatively it could be a prophetic judgement upon the Canaanites whose wickedness became legendary.

 

[KleinerApfel]

Just because someone says "I curse you" does that in fact mean anything?

Can we know if the curse Noah pronounced on Canaan was approved by God and came to pass?

Yes, the Canaanites became progressively Godless, but is there really a link here? After all - we all have the capability in us to reject God.

I'm becoming confused now.

Blessings, Susana

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

In bible times a curse and blessing was a very serious matter. I believe there is a link and the curse came to pass. Look at all the other curses and blessings in the bible.

 

[KleinerApfel]

In bible times a curse and blessing was a very serious matter. I believe there is a link and the curse came to pass. Look at all the other curses and blessings in the bible.

I agree absolutely, but was wondering if God didn't apply the curse, it was just Noah acting on his own feelings, then there would be no power in it?

Blessings, Susana

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

I believe the Lord allowed it to have power. Thus come to pass. Plus, the sin of Ham opened the door for it to happen.