What Happened to Ham After the Flood?

In the biblical book of Genesis, Ham was one of the three sons of Noah who were saved from the Great Flood aboard the ark. Along with his brothers Shem and Japheth and their wives, Ham repopulated the earth after the floodwaters receded.

But the Bible tells of an incident after the flood where Ham disrespected his father Noah, leading to Noah cursing Ham’s son Canaan. This curse had major implications for Ham’s lineage.

So what exactly happened to Ham after Noah’s flood, and what became of his descendants? Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing biblical figure.

Overview of Ham

As one of Noah’s three sons Ham was chosen by God to be saved from the flood that destroyed the rest of humanity. He helped build the ark then boarded it with his wife and family when the floodwaters came.

After the flood, Noah’s family including Ham left the ark to repopulate the cleansed earth. Ham had four sons – Cush, Egypt, Put and Canaan. As Noah’s progeny multiplied, Ham’s descendants spread out and became established tribes and nations.

But Ham drew his father’s anger when he disrespected Noah after the flood. This brought consequences upon Ham’s lineage, shaping the future of his people group.

Ham’s Offense Against Noah

According to Genesis 9, sometime after the Great Flood Noah became drunk and “lay uncovered inside his tent.” While in this compromising position, the Bible says:

“Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside.” (Genesis 9:22)

Unlike Ham, his brothers Shem and Japheth covered Noah without looking at his nakedness. When Noah realized what Ham had done, he cursed not Ham himself, but Ham’s youngest son Canaan:

“Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.” (Genesis 9:25)

He also prophesied that Canaan’s descendants would serve the lineages of Shem and Japheth.

Why Did Noah Curse Canaan?

Noah cursed Canaan as punishment for Ham’s offense, but the reason is not fully clear. Ham showing disrespect by seeing his father’s nakedness was somehow extremely wrong.

Some propose Ham ridiculed or committed an immoral act against Noah. Another theory is that Canaan himself was involved in viewing or mocking Noah. Or perhaps Canaan was Ham’s youngest and most beloved son.

Regardless, Ham’s behavior angered his father. Cursing Canaan may have been intended to control the tribe’s future dominance in the region. But the curse marked Ham’s lineage with servitude.

Outcomes for Ham After the Flood

Very little is mentioned about Ham after the flood and curse incident. But the outcomes for his lineage based on Noah’s curse proved significant:

• Canaan’s descendants – They inhabited the Promised Land region. God later ordered them wiped out when Israel conquered Canaan.

• Land of Ham – Egypt is referred to as the “land of Ham” in Psalms. His tribe likely settled parts of Africa.

• Slavery of Israelites – Ham’s descendants in Egypt later subjugated the Israelites into slavery, fulfilling Noah’s curse.

• No Messianic lineage – Unlike Shem, Ham’s line was excluded from the ancestry of Jesus Christ.

So the curse upon Canaan was fulfilled over time. The Israelites conquered Canaanite tribes as their enemies. And Israel spent over 400 years enslaved by the Egyptians who descended from Ham.

Ham’s Lineage in Scripture

Beyond the flood narrative, the Bible contains other references to Ham and his sons:

• Cush was the forefather of Nimrod, who built theTower of Babel and founded Babylon (Genesis 10:8-10).

• The “Table of Nations” genealogy lists the descendants of Ham’s four sons (Genesis 10:6-20).

• Ham is called the father of the Canaanites, foreshadowing future conflict (Genesis 9:18).

• Psalms refers to Egypt as the “land of Ham”, likely settled by his tribe after the flood (Psalm 105:23).

So while less is written about Ham himself, his offspring had significant roles in biblical history. But the curse of servitude upon Canaan persisted.

Was Ham Cursed Because of Race?

There is no biblical basis for theories that Ham was cursed due to his physical race. The text does not mention race regarding Noah’s curse of Canaan.

The curse was not on Ham himself but his youngest son Canaan. Nowhere does Scripture connect this to their ethnicity or skin color. But some later misinterpreted references to the “land of Ham” in Psalms 78:51 and Psalm 105:23, 27 to refer to race.

All humanity descended from Noah’s three sons. The Bible makes clear that all people have equal standing before God regardless of race or ancestry. Ultimately, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

The Blessings for Shem and Japheth

Unlike Ham, his brothers Shem and Japheth treated their father with honor when they covered his nakedness. As a result, Noah blessed both:

• Shem – “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem.” (Gen. 9:26)

• Japheth – “May God extend Japheth’s territory; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be the slave of Japheth.” (Gen. 9:27)

Shem’s blessing led to the Messianic lineage down to Jesus Christ. And Japheth received territorial expansion, likely referring to the Mediterranean regions settled by his descendants.

Lessons from Ham’s Story

The account of Ham and his offspring reveals important biblical truths:

• Sin has generational consequences, affecting our descendants.

• Cursing and divine prophecy can shape future people groups.

• Honoring parents, even when flawed, brings blessing.

• Racial superiority contradicts Scripture and God’s impartiality.

• All humanity shares one common lineage from Noah and his sons.

Ham’s story reminds us to revere our parents and live uprightly before God. Though the past cannot be undone, we can live each day in light of eternity.

Ham’s dishonoring behavior toward his father Noah brought a serious curse upon his son Canaan and his descendants. But through Shem came Israel and the promise of a Savior for all nations.

Noah’s prophetic words carried weight, influencing history. But we now live under a new covenant of salvation by grace. May Ham’s story move us to honor our parents and trust God’s sovereign plan.