Genesis 9:20-29; ; Genesis 10:1-20
The most wonderful experiences of the power and love of God do not have the ability to make man any better (Genesis 8:21). Noah has been set over the earth to govern it but he soon shows that he cannot govern himself. Ham, "that mocketh at his father" (Proverbs 30:17) and enjoys sin, as does the world today, draws the curse on his descendants, the Canaanites. We shall see that, indeed many nations which issued from Ham and are mentioned in this chapter, will become enemies of the people of God: Babylon, Egypt, Nineveh, the Philistines and the Canaanites whose country will be given to Israel. Shem and Japheth have honoured their father and will prosper on the earth (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Chapter 10 reveals the origins of the nations of the world (read Deuteronomy 32:8). In order to understand and appreciate a thing in its true character, one must go back to its source; Babel — Babylon and Assur — Assyria have as a starting point the kingdom of Nimrod. The name of this man means "rebellious" which is confirmed by his acts. With him we see man beginning to plunder the earth and to cause fear and suffering to reign by killing, for pleasure and to show his power, the animals which God had given him for food. (Genesis 9:3).