Genesis9_18-19

Genesis 9:18

And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.

Genesis 9:19

These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

It is interesting that certain names in the Bible serve as keys to understanding particular verses. In these two passages, four names are mentioned, each connected to the destiny of humanity. After the floodwaters receded, only Noah’s family survived; therefore, they became the ancestors of all human beings on the earth. At the same time, they obeyed God’s command to overspread the whole earth. Meanwhile, the natural system of the earth recovered quickly and even more abundantly through the covenant God established with Noah and every living creature. This divine promise enabled the earth to sustain a growing population.

Perhaps there were unrecorded reasons that caused the skin of human beings to develop different colors. Furthermore, Noah’s three sons became the ancestors of the three major skin-color groups. Although we do not know how this happened, their descendants eventually formed the diverse skin colors that make up the basic structure of global human society.

The name of Canaan is mentioned together with his father, Ham. This also suggests another essential element in human society: commerce, which connects people across the world. The name Canaan carries the meaning of “merchant” in Hebrew. Therefore, economics became a core element of human civilization, functioning like the lifeblood of society. Yet, on the other hand, Satan uses mammon to rule over sinful humanity.

In truth, God knows what His people need and has already prepared everything for them. As time unfolds, His arrangements reveal their purpose and function to humankind.