Genesis 8 - 11

The Flood
This portion describes in unusual detail, the events of the Flood, even to the point of how long it took the ground to dry.  Additionally, the transition from two distinct lineages (Adam and Cain) to multiple peoples is described when the genealogies of Noah's sons - Shem, Ham, and Japheth, are documented (chapter 10). We learn that Noah, his family, and all the earthbound creatures were water borne for exactly five months. The Ark rested an additional two and a half months before other mountain peaks began to appear (8:1). From the scripture we can calculate that they were on the Ark 12.5 months.

Like creation, this began a second genesis, a new time of beginning.  The wording the Lord uses is very similar, "Be fruitful and multiply" (8:17 and 9:1) to what he commanded Adam in 1:22.  God also gave stern warnings concerning the killing of humans stating that it is a capital offense, i.e. blood for blood (9:5).  Wickedness caused the judgment of the flood, and yet after the flood, wickedness still existed.

One of Noah's sons (Ham) sees his father drunk and naked.  Instead of covering his father's shame, he tells his brothers. These brothers do the morally correct act and cover their father and carefully avoid seeing him.  Because of the wickedness in Ham's heart, his lineage is cursed to serve the other brothers (9:25-27).

I have often wondered why Noah did not curse Ham directly and instead cursed his son Canaan who apparently did nothing wrong concerning Noah.  But this exemplifies the concept of how our actions as parents can have long lasting and devastating effects on our children and generations to come.  We must carefully weigh our actions and words.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.