Topical Bible: Japheth: Prudence of, on the Occasion of Noah's Drunkenness

◄ Japheth: Prudence of, on the Occasion of Noah's Drunkenness ►

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Japheth, one of the three sons of Noah, is a significant figure in the Genesis narrative, particularly noted for his prudence and respect towards his father during a moment of familial crisis. The account of Noah's drunkenness is found in Genesis 9:20-27, where Noah, a man of the soil, plants a vineyard and subsequently becomes intoxicated from the wine he produces. In his inebriated state, Noah lies uncovered inside his tent.

The incident unfolds with Ham, Japheth's brother, who sees their father's nakedness and tells his two brothers outside. The text implies a lack of respect and discretion on Ham's part, as he does not cover his father but instead broadcasts the situation to his siblings. In contrast, Japheth, along with his brother Shem, demonstrates a commendable level of prudence and respect. Genesis 9:23 states, "Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness."

Japheth's actions, alongside Shem, reflect a deep sense of filial piety and honor. By walking backward and averting their eyes, they maintain their father's dignity and avoid participating in any form of disrespect. This act of covering Noah signifies more than just a physical covering; it represents a moral and ethical stance that upholds the sanctity of family and the respect due to a parent, even in their moments of weakness.

The prudence of Japheth is further highlighted by the subsequent blessings and curses pronounced by Noah upon awakening and learning of the events. In Genesis 9:26-27 , Noah declares, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God extend the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant." Japheth's blessing is intertwined with Shem's, indicating a shared honor and favor from their father, contrasting sharply with the curse placed upon Ham's son, Canaan.

Japheth's prudence in this narrative is emblematic of the broader biblical principle of honoring one's parents, as later codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). His actions serve as an enduring example of the virtues of respect, discretion, and the importance of maintaining family honor, even when faced with challenging circumstances.

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Genesis 9:23,27
And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
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