Genesis 9:20-25
20 Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard. 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”
If we read a bit between the lines, it appears that Ham (and thus Canaan) was reproached because he gawked at and talked about Noah's nakedness, whereas his brothers modestly covered Noah. What would be our reaction in that situation, or in current situations? When we see a naked or scantily dressed person, do we stare and tell others "hey, check this out", or is our inclination to protect that person's modesty? The actions of Ham's brothers seem rather old-fashioned in our sexualized world, yet they are based in a biblical understanding of the importance of modesty and the importance of others. Protecting their father was more important than getting a little thrill or feeling of superiority. Voyeurism is really a form of theft, of taking in something that was not freely given.
Lord, it is tempting to look for the cheap thrill of secretly seeing someone's body parts or sexual behaviors. Our culture seems to celebrate such moments. But that cheapens the value and dignity that you gave each of us. Help me to protect rather than exploit those around me.
20 Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard. 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”
If we read a bit between the lines, it appears that Ham (and thus Canaan) was reproached because he gawked at and talked about Noah's nakedness, whereas his brothers modestly covered Noah. What would be our reaction in that situation, or in current situations? When we see a naked or scantily dressed person, do we stare and tell others "hey, check this out", or is our inclination to protect that person's modesty? The actions of Ham's brothers seem rather old-fashioned in our sexualized world, yet they are based in a biblical understanding of the importance of modesty and the importance of others. Protecting their father was more important than getting a little thrill or feeling of superiority. Voyeurism is really a form of theft, of taking in something that was not freely given.
Lord, it is tempting to look for the cheap thrill of secretly seeing someone's body parts or sexual behaviors. Our culture seems to celebrate such moments. But that cheapens the value and dignity that you gave each of us. Help me to protect rather than exploit those around me.