Moment of Meditation: Dwell in Shem (Genesis 9:27)

May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.” Genesis 9:27 While they would not inhabit the same geographical area, Japheth’s descendants would have the same blessing as Shem’s descendants. The Savior would not descend from Japheth, but the coastlands are always called to faith through the Prophets. “The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1) Japheth’s descendants would be among those who “dwell in the tents of Shem” by faith. It is the same as God will say to Shem’s descendant, Abraham: “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Shem has the promised Savior among his descendants. But that promised Savior isn’t just for those descended from Shem. He is for all who have Shem and Japheth’s faith in the Savior. Amen.