Topical Encyclopedia Shem, a significant figure in the biblical narrative, is one of the three sons of Noah, alongside his brothers Ham and Japheth. His story is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a righteous man who, along with his family, was preserved by God during the great flood.Biblical Account The account of Shem begins in Genesis 5:32, where he is introduced as one of Noah's sons. The narrative continues in Genesis 6-9, detailing the events leading up to and following the flood. In Genesis 6:9-10, Noah is described as "a righteous man, blameless in his generation," and it is through Noah's righteousness that his family, including Shem, finds favor with God. God, seeing the wickedness of humanity, decides to cleanse the earth with a flood but spares Noah and his family. In Genesis 6:18, God establishes a covenant with Noah, instructing him to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature. Shem, along with his brothers, assists Noah in this divine task. The flood narrative reaches its climax in Genesis 7:13, where it is recorded, "On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons." The floodwaters prevail upon the earth for 150 days, but God remembers Noah and his family, causing the waters to recede (Genesis 8:1). Post-Flood Life and Legacy After the flood, Shem emerges as a patriarchal figure. In Genesis 9:18-19, it is noted that from Shem, Ham, and Japheth, "the whole earth was populated." Shem's descendants are detailed in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, where he is recognized as the ancestor of several significant peoples, including the Semitic tribes. Shem's lineage is particularly important in biblical history, as it is through his line that the Hebrew people and, ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, are traced. This genealogical significance is highlighted in Genesis 11, where the line from Shem to Abram (later Abraham) is meticulously recorded. Theological Significance Shem's preservation in the ark is emblematic of God's grace and faithfulness. His survival, along with his family's, underscores the theme of divine salvation amidst judgment. The ark itself is often seen as a type of Christ, offering refuge and deliverance from the waters of destruction. Furthermore, Shem's role as an ancestor of the Israelites and the Messiah places him at a pivotal point in redemptive history. His life and legacy serve as a testament to God's unfolding plan for humanity, beginning with the covenant with Noah and culminating in the new covenant through Jesus Christ. In summary, Shem's story is one of preservation, promise, and providence. As a key figure in the Genesis narrative, he stands as a witness to God's enduring covenantal faithfulness and the hope of salvation for all nations. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 5:32And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 6:10 Genesis 7:13 Genesis 9:18 1 Chronicles 1:4 Library Chapter vi The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ... Babylonia and Assyria An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Resources Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Table of Nations? | GotQuestions.org Who was Japheth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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