11. Divided Languages!

11. Divided Languages! “These are the descendants of Noah, organized by their nations. After the flood, through these tribes, the whole earth was populated.” (Genesis 10:32) After Noah and his sons came out of the ark and offered sacrifices, they initially stayed on Mount Ararat. Noah lived for 350 years, centering his life around offering sacrifices to God with his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their families. He was called to God at the age of 950. After Noah’s passing, his three sons took over, each becoming the ancestor of their respective descendants. Humanity was divided into distinct nations through these three brothers: Shem’s descendants became the yellow-skinned race, Ham’s descendants the black-skinned race, and Japheth’s descendants the white-skinned race. Modern anthropology also supports this division, aligning with the prophecy from Noah’s time. As time passed after Noah’s death, his descendants multiplied and began to feel confined on Mount Ararat. Like the people before the flood, Noah’s descendants developed curiosity and desires for the world. Thus, Shem, Ham, and Japheth gathered to discuss their future and establish guidelines to minimize conflicts. Japheth, the eldest, spoke first: “While our father was alive, we lived together in the same region. But now, with our father gone and our families growing, it’s becoming inconvenient to live together. Soon, our children will have more children, making it difficult to stay in this area. I think it’s best for us to choose our own places to live and fulfill God’s command to multiply and fill the earth. What do you think?”  Ham responded: “I’ve had many grievances with our father. He made mistakes, yet he took it out on me…” “You were at fault too. Even if our father made mistakes, you should have covered for him instead of spreading it around.That was very wrong.” “Before the flood, there were many people and interesting things. Now, it’s just our family, repeating the same tasks. It must have been the same for our father, which is why he spent time with wine from the vineyard, leading to problems. I found it amusing and shared it with some family members, not expecting such anger and curses. But I plan to move to another region, have many descendants, and live well.”“Alright, I understand. What about you, Shem?” “I have no objections. As you said, we know why God judged the world with a flood, leaving only us. We should move to new lands and quickly fulfill God’s plan to fill this earth. It’s sad that we may not see each other often, but we can send messages and share good news.” “Agreed. Let’s decide where each of us will go to avoid future conflicts.” “Brother, you choose first, and we’ll follow in order.” Ham worried that Japheth might choose the southern land he desired. Japheth continued: “I don’t mind where I go. You two choose first, and I’ll take the remaining direction.” Shem spoke:“Then, Ham, you choose first.”Ham, having already decided, said: “I’ll go south. The climate is good, and it’s like a paradise where everything grows well.” Ham chose the best region. Next, it was Shem’s turn: “I choose the eastern mountainous region where God’s presence is. I’ll build an altar there and live a life walking with God.” Japheth nodded, recognizing Shem’s difficult but noble choice. He knew the importance of being close to God, even in hardship. “Alright, Shem made a great decision. Let’s follow through. I’ll go west. I believe God’s guidance is with us.” They prayed together, asking for God’s guidance and blessings for their descendants. They entrusted everything the brothers had decided to God. After finishing the prayer, Japheth suggested to his brothers that before parting ways, the entire family should gather for a final meal to encourage each other. All the brothers readily agreed. Each of the three brothers went to their children to convey this decision and to prepare them for the evening meal and the move to a new land. Despite the limited time, the dinner that evening was more splendid than ever. Beef and lamb were prepared as barbecue, and various vegetables, herbs, and fruits were arranged for easy consumption. However, it was not easy for the entire family of Shem, Ham, and Japheth to gather and share a meal and say goodbye in one evening, as their descendants had significantly increased. Moreover, the entire family was a strong clan community, intertwined as brothers, sisters, parents, and children. The sadness of parting, the unknown fear of a new land, and the anticipation of finding a new world were all mixed together. Additionally, no one noticed the night deepening as they shared the various emotions accumulated over the years. Early the next morning, while everyone was still asleep, Japheth, Ham, and Shem, despite the fatigue from the previous night, woke up early and walked together. The morning seemed exceptionally clear and bright as the three brothers walked silently from where their families were. Until now, they had always consulted and supported each other in times of trouble, but now the responsibility of leading their families in a new land weighed heavily on them. However, the heavier burden on their hearts was the sadness of parting. They did not speak much, but they had already exchanged many words and understood each other’s thoughts through their feelings. After walking for a while, Japheth broke the silence. “Let’s go back now! We need to pack and depart.” Both younger brothers replied simultaneously, “Yes, brother!”“God will be with us, so let’s rely on Him and move forward on our given paths.” Japheth’s words moved the two brothers deeply. The three brothers embraced and patted each other on the back, encouraging one another. “Brother, please stay healthy,”  Ham said to Japheth, followed by Shem’s farewell to his elder brother. Then, Ham and Shem bid farewell to each other, and Japheth said, “Once we have packed and are ready to depart, it would be fitting for me, as the eldest, to offer a blessing prayer for my brothers and their families. However, today, it would be special for Shem, who has taken on the role of serving God after our father, to pray for us.” Ham nodded in agreement and looked at Japheth, saying,  “Yes, let’s do that.” The brothers remembered in their hearts that their father Noah had assigned the priestly role to Shem before he departed. Shem agreed and the three brothers returned to their families to prepare for departure. Once everything was packed and ready, the three families stood facing each other, each in the direction they were to go. Shem stepped forward, looked up to the sky, and began to pray. “God, we praise You, the Creator of this land, this sky, and all things. We thank You for giving us so many descendants through the three brothers. Now, following Your command, we dream of filling the earth and, guided by You, we are about to depart for the land You will show us. Watch over all the brothers and children and be with us on this long journey. Wherever we go, let us remember You and live according to Your guidance.” After Shem’s prayer, all the families waved their hands in farewell and began to walk in the directions they were to go. This event took place around 2370 BC. “Shem is the ancestor of all the descendants of Eber and the brother of Japheth…” In the Korean Revised Version of the Bible, Shem might be understood as Japheth’s elder brother or Noah’s eldest son. However, most English Bibles accurately describe Japheth as Shem’s elder brother. When reading Genesis, one should not misunderstand the order of Shem, Ham, and Japheth as being in age order. In reality, Noah’s three sons were born in the order of Japheth, Ham, and Shem. The Bible mentions Shem first, regardless of age, because he was chosen by God as the seed of faith. The Bible records the lineage of faith as more important than the order of birth, which is why Shem is mentioned first. This pattern appears throughout the Bible, such as in the story of Jacob and Esau.