5 Jan 2021
Today our reading is Genesis chapter 10 and 11. In chapter 10 we see the generations of Noah’s three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth and what nations their descendants became. In verse 1 of chapter 10 you see that Shem is listed first, then Ham, and Japheth. Many presume that since Shem was listed first that he was the oldest, but that is not true, Shem was actually the middle child. We must remember that the Bible often list children in order of their importance instead of their birth order, and may even omit those unimportant to the Biblical narrative or chronology. How do I know that Shem was the middle son, well the Bible tells me so. Genesis 9:24 tells us that Ham was Noah’s youngest son.
When Noah woke up from his stupor, he learned what Ham, his youngest son, had done.
Genesis 9:24 NLT
And in chapter 10 verse 21, which we read today, tells us that Japheth was the eldest.
Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.
Genesis 10:21
So you see, it was fairly easy to figure out that Shem was the middle child. I bet you didn’t know you can learn a lot by reading the Old Testament.
Well, folks that’s my thoughts on today’s reading, if you have any thoughts, comments, or insights please share was us.
I’ll leave you with the words of Paul that he uses in his New Testament letters. “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
The Scriptural Truth 