Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 9:26 mean when it says 'Blessed be the Lord God of Shem'?
A: This verse is part of Noach's blessing to his son Shem after the flood. It acknowledges that Hashem (God) chose Shem's descendants (which include the Jewish people) for a special relationship. Rashi explains that this blessing signifies that the Divine Presence (Shechinah) would dwell in the tents of Shem, referring to the future Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit HaMikdash (Temple) built by Shem's descendants.
Q: Why does Genesis 9:26 say that Canaan would be a servant to Shem?
A: This was part of Noach's prophecy about the future roles of his descendants. Canaan was the son of Cham (Ham), who acted improperly toward Noach. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 70a) discusses this and explains that because of Cham's actions, his son Canaan was cursed to serve Shem's descendants. This later manifested when the Israelites (descendants of Shem) entered the Land of Israel, which was inhabited by the Canaanites.
Q: How does Genesis 9:26 relate to Jewish people today?
A: This verse establishes the special spiritual role of Shem's descendants, which includes the Jewish people. The Rambam explains that this blessing laid the foundation for the Jewish people's unique mission to serve Hashem and bring divine awareness to the world. It also reminds us of our responsibility to live up to this spiritual legacy.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning 'the God of Shem' specifically?
A: By referring to 'the God of Shem,' the verse emphasizes that Hashem would have a unique relationship with Shem's lineage. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 36:7) explains that this indicates the Torah would be given through Shem's descendants (the Jewish people), and that they would be the ones to uphold and transmit divine teachings to the world.
Q: Why is Canaan singled out for servitude in this verse?
A: The Torah singles out Canaan (rather than all of Cham's descendants) because, as Rashi explains based on the Midrash, Canaan was the first to see Noach's compromised state and went to tell his father Cham about it, thus initiating the improper behavior. Additionally, the Canaanites later settled in the land promised to Abraham's descendants, making this prophecy particularly relevant to Jewish history.
Context of the Verse
This verse appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 9:26, following the episode of Noach's intoxication and the subsequent actions of his sons, Shem and Yefet, contrasted with Cham's behavior. The verse records Noach's blessing to Shem and his descendants, acknowledging Hashem as the God of Shem, while declaring that Canaan (Cham's son) would serve them.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that Noach blessed "Hashem, the God of Shem" because the Divine Presence (Shechinah) would ultimately dwell in the territory of Shem's descendants—specifically in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) in Yerushalayim, which is in the land of Israel (inherited by Shem's lineage through Avraham). The phrase "and let Canaan be a servant to them" refers to the subjugation of Canaan's descendants to the children of Shem, particularly Bnei Yisrael.
Ramban's Insight
Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this blessing reflects a divine decree that the descendants of Shem would inherit spiritual and moral superiority, while the descendants of Cham (through Canaan) would be subservient. This foreshadows the eventual conquest of Canaan by Bnei Yisrael under Yehoshua (Joshua), fulfilling Noach's prophetic words.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 36:7) elaborates that Noach recognized Shem's righteousness in covering his father's nakedness, unlike Cham who acted disrespectfully. Therefore, Noach blessed Shem with a connection to Hashem, while Cham's descendants (through Canaan) would bear the consequence of servitude.
Halachic and Historical Implications
Philosophical Significance
This verse underscores the principle that moral conduct (exemplified by Shem) is rewarded with divine favor, while dishonorable behavior (like Cham's) leads to degradation. It also highlights the concept of zechut avot (merit of the fathers), where the righteousness of ancestors brings blessings to their descendants.