Shem

Also known as: Melchizedek · Role: son of Noah · First appears: The Flood

Shem, son of Noah, performed the priestly services for his father’s sacrifice after leaving the ark. When Noah became drunk, Shem and Japheth covered him while walking backward with their faces averted; Noah blessed them, declaring that Japheth’s sons would dwell in Shem’s academies. Ham saw their father and told his brothers what he had noticed.

In 1569, Noah divided the earth among his sons by lot, and Shem received the middle of the earth as an inheritance for his descendants. He remained with Noah and built a city near his father’s home, naming it for his wife, Zedeketelbab. Noah also transmitted to him a book of remedies recorded from knowledge revealed by Raphael.

After Abraham returned from war, Shem blessed him and instructed him in priestly laws and the Torah. God then removed Shem’s priestly dignity and passed it to Abraham. Later, Jacob learned the Lord’s ways and commandments at the house of Eber, Shem’s son; ten years after Shem’s death, Jacob returned home.