FEB 10
Genesis 9:18-29
Memorise Leviticus 18:6-7
“The nakedness of thy father… shalt thou not uncover”

After the whole event of the flood, Noah and his family, as the sole inhabitants of the entire world, had to go forth to replenish and multiply the earth. It was a fresh chance for mankind to mend their ways, and live in accordance to God’s will and not after the wicked ways that incited the judgment of the flood. Yet it was not to be, for we see that shortly after the flood was over, man’s sin nature continued to reign, for their rebellious heart continued to devise wickedness and revel in wanton sin.

Genesis 9:20 tells us that the occupation that Noah took up was that of husbandry - he became a farmer who planted vineyards. In the process of time, he reaped his first harvest of grapes, from which he made wine. Perhaps it was unbeknownst to him that now in the post-flood world, the climatic conditions had changed, such that the fermentation process was accelerated, and the grape juice became alcoholic faster than he realised. Or maybe now that the whole event of the flood was over, and Noah felt that he deserved a break, and so he let his guard down and allowed himself to become drunk. Nonetheless it was certainly stern warning in the Bible here against the dangers of drunkenness. In his drunken stupor, coupled with the hot flush from alcohol overdose, Noah threw off his clothes and was naked in his tent. It was in this state that Ham saw his father. The word for ‘saw’ does not describe just a quick embarrassed glance. Rather, it carries the idea of gazing upon, or even to inspect and give attention to. Instead of covering up the nakedness of his father, he went to tell his brothers about it, perhaps instigating them to also come and gaze upon their father’s shame. This was a wicked deed done out of the perversity of his heart.

His brothers responded differently, for when they heard of what happened, they took a garment and very carefully covered the nakedness of their father with their backs facing him so they would not even have a glimpse of him in this state. When Noah awoke and heard of what had happened, he responded justly and cursed Ham and his son Canaan because of the sin that he had committed. It was a prophetic judgment that their descendants would be servants to their brethren, whilst Shem and Japheth would be blessed by God. This was a very important and necessary act, for Noah had to nip sin in the bud, and show that such wickedness cannot be tolerated!

Thought: Do I honour my father and my mother?

Prayer: Lord, help me to realise the gravity and seriousness of sin.