Topical Bible: Ham: Son of Noah

◄ Ham: Son of Noah ►

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Ham is one of the three sons of Noah, a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative of the Great Flood. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is introduced as part of the family that God chose to preserve humanity and animal life through the ark during the flood. Ham's lineage and actions have significant implications in biblical history and theology.

Genealogy and Family

Ham is listed as the second son of Noah, following Shem and preceding Japheth. The genealogical records in Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, detail the descendants of Ham, who became the progenitors of several ancient peoples. Ham's sons are Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. These names are associated with regions and peoples in Africa and the Near East, including the Egyptians (Mizraim), the Cushites, and the Canaanites.

The Incident of Noah's Nakedness

One of the most notable events involving Ham is the incident recorded in Genesis 9:20-25. After the flood, Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard. He drank some of the wine, became drunk, and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Shem and Japheth took a garment, walked in backward, and covered their father's nakedness without looking at him.

When Noah awoke and learned what Ham had done, he pronounced a curse, not directly on Ham, but on Ham's son, Canaan: "Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers" (Genesis 9:25). This curse has been the subject of much theological discussion and interpretation, often seen as a prophetic declaration concerning the future subjugation of the Canaanites by the descendants of Shem and Japheth.

Theological and Historical Implications

The actions of Ham and the subsequent curse on Canaan have been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some scholars suggest that Ham's sin was not merely seeing his father's nakedness but involved a deeper disrespect or dishonor. The narrative underscores the importance of filial piety and respect for parental authority, themes that resonate throughout the biblical text.

The curse on Canaan has also been historically misused to justify racial discrimination and slavery, particularly in the context of the transatlantic slave trade. However, a careful reading of the text shows that the curse was specific to Canaan and his descendants, not all of Ham's lineage.

Legacy and Descendants

Ham's descendants are credited with establishing some of the earliest civilizations in the ancient world. The Cushites, Egyptians, and Canaanites played significant roles in biblical history. The Canaanites, in particular, are frequently mentioned in the context of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land, fulfilling the prophetic curse pronounced by Noah.

In summary, Ham's role in the biblical narrative is complex, involving themes of family dynamics, respect, and the unfolding of God's providential plan through human history. His descendants' impact on the ancient world is a testament to the enduring legacy of Noah's family after the flood.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 5:32
And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 9:18,24
And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:4
Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

2526. Cham -- a son of Noah, also his desc., also a name for ...
... Ham. The same as cham; hot (from the tropical habitat); Cham, a son of Noah; also
(as a patronymic) his descendants or their country -- Ham. see HEBREW cham. ...
/hebrew/2526.htm - 6k

Library

Of the Generations of the Three Sons of Noah.
... But Assur, father of the Assyrian, was not one of the sons of Ham, Noah's
son, but is found among the sons of Shem, his eldest son. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 3 of the generations of.htm

What was Prophetically Prefigured in the Sons of Noah.
... For Japheth means "enlargement." And Ham (ie, hot), who was the middle son of Noah,
and, as it were, separated himself from both, and remained between them ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 2 what was prophetically prefigured.htm

The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
... of God, as Calvin does, nor to say with Hofmann: "Canaan is the youngest son of
Ham (Genesis 10:6); and because Ham, the youngest son of Noah, had caused so ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessings of noah upon.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... And Noah awoke, and when he understood how Ham his son had scorned him, he cursed
him and also his son Canaan, and blessed Shem and Japhet. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... When his youngest son saw this, he came laughing, and showed ... And when Noah was made
sensible of what had been ... prosperity to his other sons; but for Ham, he did ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

That the Original Language in Use among Men was that which was ...
... in the last born being first named: of the sons of Noah, the descendants of Japheth
are first named; then the sons of Ham, who was the second son; and last the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 that the original language.htm

The History after the Flood.
... And there were five other cities in the territory of Ham, the son of Noah; the first
called Sodom, then Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Balah, which was also ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm

Concerning the Tower of Babylon, and the Confusion of Tongues.
... and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noah, a bold
man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them not ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 concerning the tower.htm

Additional Note. A New Installment Has Now Appeared of the ...
... He went on to argue that as Ham was not the youngest son of Noah, the word "son"
was used for grandson, and that "Noah knew what his grandson (Canaan) had done ...
/.../additional note a new installment.htm

Whether, after the Deluge, from Noah to Abraham, any Families Can ...
... testimony, unless it be in the case of Noah, who commends ... not in his own person,
but in his son's (his own ... brethren." [858] Now Canaan was born of Ham, who, so ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 1 whether after the deluge.htm