The Sons of Ham
A Devotional Series from Genesis
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
7/22 Reading Portions: Judges 5; Acts 9; Jeremiah 18; Mark 4
Genesis 10:6
The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan.
HOT
Ham’s name means “hot” in Hebrew. And from the looks of history, his four children, Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan, produced some hot-headed, hot-blooded, and hot-tempered descendants. Cush, Egypt, and Canaan and their progeny are mentioned in the verses following, so today’s meditation will be upon Ham and Put.
The “land of Ham” or “tents of Ham” are sometimes mentioned as a synonym for Egypt (Psa 78:51; Psa 105:23; 105:27; 106:22). We should keep this in mind when we come across Scripture portions that mention the exploits of Egypt. Sometimes the sins of the father so permeate the condition of his progeny that the villainy of the father’s character hangs as a heavy pall over the lives of the children. Jesus said this of the self-exalting religiosity of the scribes, Pharisees, and chief priests who opposed Him and His gospel:
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
The progeny of Put is not mentioned in this genealogy, but Put is mentioned by three prophets in four references. Ezekiel aligns Put with Persia and Lud in the trio’s association with Tyre (Ezek 27:10) and later aligns Put with Persia and Cush in their association with Gog (Ezek 38:5). Jeremiah declares judgment upon Egypt, along with its hired mercenaries Lud, Put, and Cush (Jer 46:9). In Nahum’s prophecy against Nineveh, Put is mentioned as a helper to the capital of the Assyrian Empire (Nah 3:9). Put’s association with those nations whom God has pronounced judgment upon reminds us that willful fellowship with those who loathe the light and lust after darkness will bring even well-meaning folks down:
Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:32
But not so with the redeemed in Christ. We are a reflection of our Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6; 1 Jn 3:9), and He has made provision for our protection via fellowship with His people, His church.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!