Genesis 9:18-29

18 Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan.

19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was scattered abroad.

20 Then Noah began to be a man of the land and planted a vineyard.

21 And he drank of the wine and became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent.

22 Then Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside.

23 But Shem and Japheth took the garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned backward, so that they did not see their father’s nakedness.

24 Then Noah awoke from his wine, and he knew what his youngest son had done to him.

25 So he said, “Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants he shall be to his brothers.”

26 And he said, “Blessed be Yahweh, The God of Shem; And let Canaan be his servant.

27 May God enlarge Japheth, And let him dwell in the tents of Shem; And let Canaan be his servant.” 

28 And Noah lived 350 years after the flood.

29 So all the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died.

Referenced Scripture:

Leviticus 18:3

Quotes:

“The potential harm from drunkenness for the drinker and his family is aptly demonstrated by this incident for which Noah and his progeny pay dearly.”  (Dr. Kenneth A. Mathews)

 

“Ham ridiculed the ‘old man’s’ downfall. In the ancient world insulting one’s parents was a serious matter that warranted the extreme penalty of death.”  (Dr. Kenneth Mathews) 

 

“Such curses had no power in themselves, unless the Lord fulfilled them.  God would bring this curse about only if it was His desire to do so—which it was.”  (Dr. R. Kent Hughes)