According to tradition, in the year 1569 after creation, Noah himself, guided by an angel, divided the world among his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Imagine the scene – a world freshly cleansed, a family gathered, and the fate of nations hanging in the balance.
The method? A lottery, of sorts. Each son reached into Noah's bosom (a somewhat archaic but evocative image!) and drew a slip. And the slip Shem drew? Well, that was something special.
It was inscribed with the "middle of the earth." The middle of the earth! This, the story tells us, became the eternal inheritance of Shem's descendants. It’s a powerful image, isn't it? The very heart of the world belonging to one lineage.
And Noah, upon seeing the result, rejoiced. Why? Because, as the story goes, this fulfilled his blessing upon Shem: "And God in the habitation of Shem." (Genesis 9:26). The idea is that God's presence would dwell most strongly within Shem's territory.
But what made this particular patch of land so significant? What made it the "middle of the earth?"
Well, three supremely holy places fell within Shem's designated area. Firstly, there's the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem – the innermost sanctuary, the dwelling place of the Divine Presence. Then, there’s Mount Sinai, located at the middle point of the desert, where Moses received the Torah. And finally, Mount Zion, considered the navel – the very center – of the earth. Think of it as an umbilical cord connecting humanity to the divine.
These weren't just arbitrary locations. According to this tradition, they were points of immense spiritual power, all located within the territory of Shem. It’s a powerful assertion about the spiritual centrality of that land and the destiny of Shem’s line.
So next time you think about maps, about borders, about the division of land, remember this ancient story. It's not just about geography; it’s about destiny, blessing, and the enduring quest to find the center – the axis mundi – of our world. A quest that, perhaps, begins within ourselves.