“And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”
This verse is part of the genealogical account in the book of Genesis that traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. It provides a brief summary of Noah’s life and mentions his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
To better understand the significance of this verse and its place in the larger context of the Bible, let’s delve into some key points:
Noah’s Age: The verse starts by stating that Noah was five hundred years old when he became the father of his three sons. This highlights the fact that Noah was already an older man at the time of their birth, indicating that significant time had passed since the creation of Adam and Eve.
Genealogy: Genesis 5 focuses on genealogies, tracing the lineage of the descendants of Adam through the generations. These genealogies serve to establish a historical record and show the continuity of God’s plan for humanity.
Covenant with Noah: As the narrative progresses, we learn that Noah played a pivotal role in human history. God chose him to build the ark and preserve the human and animal species during the Great Flood. This event would later lead to the establishment of a covenant between God and Noah, symbolizing God’s faithfulness and promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:8-17).
Shem, Ham, and Japheth: Noah’s three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, are mentioned in this verse. They become important figures in the narrative of the flood and the subsequent repopulation of the earth. Shem, in particular, is the ancestor of the Semitic peoples, from whom the Israelites would descend. Ham is associated with the Canaanites, and Japheth is linked to various Indo-European peoples.
Messianic Lineage: The genealogical records in Genesis serve a broader purpose in the biblical narrative. They help establish the lineage leading to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. Ultimately, it is through the descendants of Shem that the Messiah would come, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus presented in the New Testament (Luke 3:36-38).
In summary, Genesis 5:32 provides a brief account of Noah’s age at the time of the birth of his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This verse connects Noah’s story to the genealogical records in Genesis and sets the stage for the significant role Noah and his family would play in the narrative of God’s plan for humanity.
