For several days Noah sat alone in the middle of his house, drinking continuously. It
quickly became a growing concern to everyone, especially the women. When they tried to
get him to eat, he refused.
Hagaba grew exasperated. She made some of his favorite foods, using recipes that
Naamah had used. Still he refused to eat. Frustrated, she turned to Achsah for help.
“It is not good that he doesn"t eat. He is growing weak and the wine is affecting his
speech.”
“I agree, but we can"t force him to eat. Will he listen to Japheth?”
“No. He has shut us all out.”
The two women shook their head in despair. In the midst of this tragedy, Bithiah went
into labor. Hagaba and Achsah now focused on her needs and tended her as she gave birth
to a baby boy. But even that normally joyous occasion did little to brighten the
atmosphere.
&&&
Prior to the Flood, skin color had been pretty uniform, although some people were of
different skin tones. Ham had been distinguished by a much blacker skin tone, thus his
name. His children were all dark and his latest son was no different. But Ham didn"t focus
on his coloring, which to him was normal, but upon his facial appearance. Looking at his
young son triggered memories.
“He shall be called Canaan.”
Everyone protested, as there was no one in the family with such a name. But he was
adamant.
“Look at his face. Does it not remind you of the trader Canaan that we saw in Abel. He
was quite wise, capable and a believer. Up to the day he died, he was friend to father and
to us. I think it is fitting.”
Both Japheth and Shem thought back to their business trips to Abel. Prior to the Flood,
Noah had sent them into the great city on several occasions. Sometimes to see Methuselah,
but other times to deal with Canaan the Trader. Ham is right, thought Shem . He was
probably one of the wisest traders we ever dealt with, although not well known. He certainly
believed in the Ark. Only his death kept him from joining us in it.
Although hesitant about such a name, Japheth and Shem knew only Noah could
overrule the proud father and he was in no condition for such a decision. So they backed
off and accepted the name.
Ham lifted the baby up and cradled him in his arms. Smiling, he took the new born to
Noah. His father was still able to hold the baby, but Ham watched carefully.
“His name is Canaan, father.”
“Canaan,” Noah"s tongue slurred the name.
“Yes.”
“A good name, son.”
As Noah's attention drifted away, Ham retrieved the baby and quietly left.
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