Why Shem Comes Before Japheth Among Noah's Sons

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Noach 19:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(As it is said:) "And the sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were [Shem, Ham, and Japheth]" (Genesis 9:18). Now was Shem the eldest, that he is placed first? Is it not written, "the brother of Japheth the elder" (Genesis 10:21)? Why, then, did Scripture place Shem before Japheth? Because he was worthy and perfect toward his Creator.

Themes

RighteousnessNoahBirthTorahWar

Biblical References

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