29 So all the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died. 10:1 Now these are the records of the generations of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and sons were born to them after the flood. 2 The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 3 The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 From these the people of the coastlands of the nations were separated into their lands, every one according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.

Genesis 9:29-10:5 (NASB) 

The man Noah

Noah was the 3rd longest living person in the bible at 950 years after Jared (962) and Methusalah (969). He is remembered mostly for his faith in trusting God when He told him to build the Ark to prepare for the flood. “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7) The verse that best represents Noah’s character in the context of the wicked generation that he lived is in Genesis 6:8, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

Yet righteous Noah was not without sin. As we studied yesterday, Noah, as all mankind, proved he was under the control of his sinful nature. He got drunk and, probably unwittingly, uncovered himself. This presented a temptation to his son, Ham, who also sinned.

Pornography

The passage from yesterday does not say exactly what the sin of Ham was but it was related to Noah’s nakedness. And we know that Ham’s son, Canaan and his descendents were known for sexual perversions beyond imagination; which is part of the reason God had Israel drive them out of the Promised Land. It’s also why The Lord had them completely wipe out any trace of them lest they tempt His chosen people.

Sexual sin these days most always involves pornography. Pornography is a horrible sin that affects many people. It often leads to further sexual sin. Though “only in the mind” typically, it is still sin. Jesus famously said, “everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28). But is is possible to be victorious over pornography. 

Noah’s youngest son

Chapter 10 documents the lineage of Noah. It first starts with the youngest, Japheth. The only thing specially mentioned about his descendents is that they lived in the coastlands. But one thing to note here (and verse 20 and 31) is they were separated, “every one according to his language”. When we study the Tower of Babel in chapter 11, we’ll see where these languages originated. 

RЯeflection

• Do you have a problem with pornography? You know if you do. The Spirit is convicting you now – for your benefit and those you affect. It affects both men and women. The good news is there is a way out. Seek help. There are many resources such as this one. Or contact us.