Topical Bible: Judgments: Upon Individuals

◄ Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Canaan ►

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Canaan: A Case of Divine Judgment

Canaan, the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of divine judgment. The account of Canaan's judgment is found in the Book of Genesis, where it is intricately linked to the actions of his father, Ham.

The Incident Leading to Judgment

The pivotal event that led to the judgment upon Canaan is recorded in Genesis 9:20-25. After the flood, Noah became a man of the soil and planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine, became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. Shem and Japheth took a garment, walked backward, and covered their father's nakedness without looking at him.

When Noah awoke and learned what his youngest son had done, he pronounced a curse, saying:

“Cursed be Canaan!
A servant of servants
shall he be to his brothers.” (Genesis 9:25)

Nature of the Judgment

The judgment pronounced by Noah was not directly upon Ham, who committed the indiscretion, but upon his son Canaan. This has been interpreted as a prophetic declaration concerning the future of Canaan's descendants, who would become the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. The curse implied subjugation and servitude, which historically manifested when the Israelites, descendants of Shem, conquered the land of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Theological Implications

The judgment upon Canaan is often viewed as a reflection of the broader theme of sin and its consequences. It underscores the principle that the actions of one generation can have profound effects on subsequent generations. This narrative also highlights the importance of honoring one's parents, as emphasized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12).

Historical Fulfillment

The fulfillment of Noah's curse is seen in the biblical accounts of the conquest of Canaan. The Canaanites, known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption, were ultimately subdued by the Israelites. This conquest is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the Israelites, under divine mandate, took possession of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Canaan's Legacy

Canaan's legacy, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of sin and the enduring nature of divine judgment. The narrative of Canaan and his descendants is a testament to the sovereignty of God in executing justice and fulfilling His promises to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 9:25
And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... intelligent reader to his own reflections upon them ... and the degrading, and even
desolating judgments of heaven ... The character of individuals is not to be judged ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither ... of my mouth; for I have
hoped in thy judgments. ... Such individuals are not fitted to have a charge or ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous ... their office, were not private
individuals, but the ... a doubtful matter, to put the witness upon oath; and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... at that time consisted of these two individuals, it is ... God of Abel's offering may
be looked upon as the ... inferred from the history of Abel, is exemplified in a ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm