Shemites

Shemites

Shem was first among the sons of Noah during the great wickedness (Genesis 6:5–7). The righteous Noah to built a great ark with his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives before the flood waters covered the earth (Genesis 7:14–16). The families and animals were in the ark for about 370 days waiting for the flood waters to recede (Genesis 7:1–8:19).

Shem was primary in the story written by Moses because he was the ancestor of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who became Israel.

Shem does not seem to be the firstborn but lived longest because of the blessing:

• Genesis 5:32, Noah began having children when he was 500 years old.
• Genesis 7:11, Noah was 600 years of age when the flood came.
• Genesis 11:10, Shem had a child when he was 100 years old, two years after the flood (making him 98 years old at the time of the flood and if Ham was not the oldest (Genesis 9:24), the firstborn may have been Japheth.

Shem and Noah's family repopulating the earth (Genesis 9:7). Shem’s line produced the Assyrians, Chaldeans, Elamites, Arameans, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Arabs, and Hebrews. Shem’s name is the origin of the word Semitic; Shem’s great-grandson Eber was also the father of those who were eventually called “Hebrews,” including Abram.

Noah became a farmer and grew a vineyard (Genesis 9:20). Noah’s son Ham found him naked, but instead of covering his father or helping him in any way, he mocked him.

Shem and Japheth brought covered him, respectfully walking backward so they would not shame their father’s nakedness. When Noah woke, he was angry with Ham for his neglect and cursed him, but he blessed both Shem and Japheth for the respect they showed according to verses 24–27.

After Shem had fathered many he passed away at the old age of 600 (Genesis 11:10–11) and is said to be Melchizedek who blessed Abraham, who walked in faith. Shem is mentioned in the New Testament as an ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:36). Jesus was of the order of Melchizedek.