Genesis

God commands Noah and the others to leave the Ark and populate the new world. He reestablishes His promise to Noah for the survival and redemption of man. Since the world has now changed and man would be subject to a harsh environment, God offers reassurance to assuage their potential fears of another flood or other catastrophic destruction by creating a rainbow as a reminder to God and a sign to man that He would not destroy the world by flood again.

Note: The rainbow phenomena appears after the rain as the emerging sun shines through the clouds. It's as if God was saying, "See, there's no need to fear." A rainbow after a storm serves as a metaphor for life. We all face storms, but God has promised to see us through (See Psalm 29).

Noah, in a period of weakness, becomes drunk and falls asleep in his tent naked. His youngest son Ham sees his father in this condition and apparently, as a sign of disrespect and possible rebellion discusses it with his brothers. His brothers respectfully cover Noah. As a result, Noah pronounces a judgment against Ham that he and his descendants will serve his other brothers. This is the first recorded sin in the new world.

The similarities will vary but note that Adam and Eve immediately recognized their nakedness and shame after their sin. Now Noah in his weakness is naked and exposed. Sin leaves us naked and shamed before God.

Ham had a choice to honor his father but possibly chose instead to elevate himself before the others. In like fashion, Satan used the element of false pride to cause Adam and Eve to try to elevate themselves. Pride was the core element in the sin of Adam and Eve and likely at the heart of Ham's sin.

Shem – Shem fathered the nation through which Jesus would eventually be born into. God, through Shem, would sustain His promise.

Note: Some versions place Shem as the oldest son. Others have Japheth as the oldest. In many cultures, especially in the Eastern and Jewish cultures, it is through the first-born son that the family is provided for. In a much larger and grander way, Jesus is the first born of many sons. It is through Jesus that we are provided for (Romans 8:29). Although Shem may not have been the first born, God chose to deliver the promised redeemer through his lineage.

Ham – Ham and his descendants were to develop methods and skills in cultivation, tools, weaving, medicines and medical procedures, math, banking, commerce and writing. All these would be used to enable social structure, survival and see to the general wellbeing of others.

Note: Although the judgment of Noah was that Ham and his descendants were to serve, Jesus elevates the role of a servant and encourages us to serve. There is greatness in serving when done for the right purposes.

Japheth – Japheth and his descendants were the philosophers, artisans and scientists. They were to "dwell in tents" noting fellowship or sharing with the others the knowledge and skills they developed. This crossed over to all races enriching and adding quality of life to all.

God knows that we need opportunities to thrive spiritually, physically and philosophically/emotionally. Through the descendants of Noah, He provided these opportunities for us in many ways. He especially provides for our greatest need, redemption from our sins, through His first born, Jesus Christ.