the territory of Japheth
Japheth, one of Noah's sons, is traditionally associated with the peoples of Europe and parts of Asia. The "territory" here refers to both physical land and the broader scope of influence and cultural reach. Historically, Japheth's descendants are believed to have spread widely, which aligns with the blessing of expansion. This phrase underscores the belief in God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to guide their destinies.

may he dwell
The phrase "may he dwell" suggests a sense of habitation and presence. The Hebrew word "שָׁכַן" (shakan) means to settle or reside. This implies a peaceful coexistence and a sharing of space, which is significant in the context of ancient tribal and familial relationships. It suggests a harmonious relationship between Japheth and Shem, indicating a future of cooperation and mutual benefit.

in the tents of Shem
Shem is traditionally associated with the Semitic peoples, including the Israelites. "Tents" symbolize dwelling places and, by extension, cultures and communities. The imagery of dwelling in tents suggests a close relationship and possibly an alliance or integration. This phrase can be seen as prophetic, hinting at future interactions between the descendants of Japheth and Shem, which historically includes significant cultural and religious exchanges.

and may Canaan be his servant
Canaan, the son of Ham, is often associated with the Canaanite peoples who inhabited the land promised to Israel. The phrase "be his servant" reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where servitude was a common outcome of conquest or subjugation. This part of the blessing is often interpreted as a prophetic declaration of the future subjugation of Canaan's descendants, which aligns with the biblical narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. It underscores themes of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises to His chosen people.

He shall dwell in the tents of Shem.--(Rather, let him dwell). In one sense Shem now dwells in the tents of Japheth: for the Jews, the noblest representatives of Shem, dwell dispersed in Aryan countries; and except in the Arabian peninsula, once Cushite, the Shemites have no home of their own. But the religious privileges of their race now belong to the family of Japheth. Carried by Jewish missionaries, like St. Paul, throughout the Roman world, they have become the property of the leading members of the Aryan race; and thus Japheth takes possession of the tents which by right of primogeniture belonged to Shem. For "to dwell in the tents of Shem" is not so much to share them as to own them; and if the Jews retain some degree of faith, it has lost with them all expansive power; while the right interpretation of their Scriptures, and as well the maintenance as the propagation of the religion of their Messiah, are now in the hands of the descendants of Japheth. Yet Shem does not lose all pre-eminence: for again we read--

Canaan shall be his servant (rather, their).--If Shem lose the foremost place of primogeniture, he is still a brother, and Canaan but a slave.

(1) that the verb never means to persuade, except in a bad sense (cf. 1 Kings 22:20), and

(2) that in this sense it is never followed by לְ, but always by the accusative (vide Gesenius, sub. nom.; cf. Bush, p. 109). The fulfillment of the prophecy is apparent from the circumstance that "praeter Europam (εὐρώκη - wide, extensive) "maximam Asiae pattern, totum demique novum orbem, veluti immensae maguitudinis auctarium, Japheto posterique ejus in perpetuam possessionem obtigisse" (Fuller, ' Sac. Miscel., lib. 2. c. 4, quoted by Glass); cf. Genesis 10:2-5, in which Japheth is given as the progenitor of fourteen peoples, to which are added the inhabitants of the lands washed by the sea. The expansive power of Japheth "refem not only to the territory and the multitude of the Japhethites, but also to their intellectual and active faculties. The metaphysics of the Hindoos, the philosophy of the Greeks, the military prowess of the Romans, and the modern science and civilization of the world are due to the race of Japheth" (Murphy). And he - not Elohim (Philo., Theodoret, Onkelos, Dathe, Baumgarten, et alii), which

(1) substantially repeats the blessing already given to Shem, and . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...