Shem

AI summary: Shem matters because the cross references present him as more than one of Noah's sons: he is the genealogical bridge between the flood world and the patriarchs. He shares in the preservation of the ark, appears in Noah's blessing, and becomes the named ancestor through whom the line to Abraham is set out. The biblical writers do not dwell on an extended personal story, but they give his name durable importance through lineage and blessing. Taken together, the material presents Shem as a foundational post-flood ancestor whose significance lies in continuity, preservation, and the unfolding of the covenant line.¹

A name; renown, the first mentioned of the sons of Noah (Gen. 5:32; 6:10). He was probably the eldest of Noah’s sons. The words “brother of Japheth the elder” in Gen. 10:21 are more correctly rendered “the elder brother of Japheth,” as in the Revised Version. Shem’s name is generally mentioned first in the list of Noah’s sons. He and his wife were saved in the ark (7:13). Noah foretold his preeminence over Canaan (9:23-27). He died at the age of six hundred years, having been for many years contemporary with Abraham, according to the usual chronology. The Israelitish nation sprang from him (Gen. 11:10-26; 1 Chr. 1:24-27). ³