One of Noah's two oldest sons (Gen. 10:21; cf. 9:24), and probably the firstborn (Gen. 5:32)." />

Meaning of SHEM

"renowned".
One of Noah's two oldest sons (Gen. 10:21; cf. 9:24), and probably the firstborn (Gen. 5:32).

"renowned".
One of Noah's two oldest sons (Gen. 10:21; cf. 9:24), and probably the firstborn (Gen. 5:32).

Shem and his descendants are listed last in Gen. 10, based on the way of acting of the author of Genesis: he places the secondary genealogies before the main line of God's people.

Shem was born around the year 500 of Noah's life (see NOAH). At the time of the Flood he was already married, but had not yet had any children (Gen. 7:7; 1 Pet. 3:20).

After the cataclysm, Shem testified to filial respect towards his father, who had become drunk. Noah gave this son a blessing that implied that Shem's descendants would perpetuate the worship of the true God (Gen. 9:23, 27).

Shem was the ancestor of the peoples who occupied Elam, Ashur, Arphaxad, Lud, Aram (Gen. 10:21, 22).

The new heavens and new earth are perfect because everyone and everything is glorifying God fully and therefore enjoying him forever.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Glimpse into the Future of Eternal Praise

Timothy Keller

Every possible experience, if prayed to the God who is really there, is destined to end in praise. Confession leads to the joy of forgiveness. Laments lead to a deeper resting in him for our happiness. If we could praise God perfectly, we would love him completely and then our joy would be full.

Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ (verse 5), makes us ready for this mission.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Poetry of Praise and Redemptive Mission

Timothy Keller

The praise of the redeemed. His people praise him because he has made them his people and because he honors and delights in them —though they don’t deserve it. Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ, makes us ready for this mission.

Praise unites us also with one another. Here is “the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: joyful preoccupation with God.” Praise the Lord!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Praise that Unites All

Timothy Keller

Praise Those Unites. We see extremes brought together in praise: wild animals and kings, old and young. Young men and maids, old men and babes. How can humans be brought into the music? He has raised up for his people a horn, a strong deliverer.

All of nature sings God’s glory; we alone are out of tune. The question is this: How can we be brought back into the great music?

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Praise Resounds Throughout Creation

Timothy Keller

The Praise Of Creation. Praise comes to God from all he has made. It begins in the highest heaven (verses 1–4). It comes from the sun and moon and stars (verse 3), from the clouds and rain (verse 4).

Christians are saved by faith, not by obeying the law, but the law shows us how to please, love, and resemble the one who saved us by grace.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

True Worship that Pleases the Lord

Timothy Keller

A little boy left his toys out and went in to practice the piano, using hymns for his lesson. When his mother called him to pick up his toys, he said, “I ca n’t eat; “I’m singing praise to Jesus.” His mother responded: “There's no use singing God's praises when you're being disobedient.”