After the Flood

 After the Flood

Genesis 11: ¹⁰ This is the genealogy of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and begot Arphaxad two years after the flood. ¹¹ After he begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

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All Shem’s life revolved around the ark. From the time GOD told Noah HE was going to flood the earth until the time the ark landed safely, Shem was conceived and watched his father’s extreme obedience. He may have seen Noah trying to convince people to join them in building the ark or to prepare themselves for the flood. This may have been embarrassing. But the flood did happen. Everyone Shem knew, who did not get on the ark, was dead.

 

My Observations:

• Shem may have been cautious after the flood because it was overwhelming.
• Shem seemed to be a good listener and believed in the ways of the LORD.
• Shem respected GOD’s ways by devising a plan to cover his naked father without seeing him.

 

Shem was the beginning of a special lineage, namely that of CHRIST. I know it may be confusing, but I believe it was JESUS who walked and talked with Noah. But getting back to Shem. He heard the curse on his nephew Canaan and he witnessed the building of the Tower of Babel.

 

He also heard the blessing from Noah that everyone’s descendants, meaning Japeth and Canaan, would either live in Shem’s household or serve the descendant of Shem, which would eventually be CHRIST. Shem’s possible embarrassing and traumatic childhood would lead to him staying away from the ways of Canaan. He may have also been cautious in having children, but two years after the flood, he did what the LORD commanded and became fruitful.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention the flood to Moses when describing Shem’s children?
• Have you ever misunderstood someone’s calling and labeled it as embarrassing?
• Is today a good day to reflect on how GOD has saved you and what HIS purpose is for you?