Gen 9:22-23 | TNotes | STEP | 9:22 the father of Canaan: See study note on 9:18. • Ham’s behavior was shameful. He gazed upon his naked father and, rather than covering him and keeping the matter secret, robbed him of his dignity by announcing it to his brothers (see Exod 21:15 , 17 ; Lam 4:21 ; Hab 2:15 ). An ancient Near Eastern tale says that a son is expected to come to his father’s aid when he is drunk ( Tale of Aqhat ; cp. Isa 51:17-18 ). Ham’s neglect of familial duty explains why Noah praised Shem and Japheth but cursed Ham (Gen 9:24-27 ).

bExod 21:15►

dLam 4:21►

eHab 2:15►

fIsa 51:17-18►

gGen 9:24-27►

‏ Genesis 9:22-23

9:22 ^a the father of Canaan: See study note on 9:18.

• Ham’s behavior was shameful. He gazed upon his naked father and, rather than covering him and keeping the matter secret, robbed him of his dignity by announcing it to his brothers (see Exod 21:15 ^b, 17 ^c; Lam 4:21 ^d; Hab 2:15 ^e). An ancient Near Eastern tale says that a son is expected to come to his father’s aid when he is drunk (Tale of Aqhat; cp. Isa 51:17-18 ^f). Ham’s neglect of familial duty explains why Noah praised Shem and Japheth but cursed Ham (Gen 9:24-27 ^g).