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Son of Noah, ancestor of Israel
Shem
Post-flood · Post-Flood
Life
Blessed son of Noah from whom the Semitic peoples and the line of Abraham descend.
Through Shem the covenant line continued.
Key Facts
- One of three sons of Noah
- Covered Noah's nakedness
- Ancestor of Eber/Hebrews
Why this matters
Line of promise leading to Abraham and Christ.
Where to Read
Contemporaries
Methuselah
Longest-lived man
Primeval
Noah
Builder of the ark
c. 2950 BC
Abraham
Father of the faithful
c. 2166–1991 BC
Sarah
Wife of Abraham, mother of Isaac
c. 2156–2029 BC
Lot
Nephew of Abraham
Patriarchal
Melchizedek
Priest-king of Salem
Patriarchal
Isaac
Son of promise
c. 2066–1886 BC
Rebekah
Wife of Isaac
Patriarchal
Jacob (Israel)
Father of the twelve tribes
c. 2006–1859 BC
Esau
Twin of Jacob, father of Edom
Patriarchal
Joseph
Prime minister of Egypt
c. 1915–1805 BC