rist. So far, so good. But when they believe that
the promise pertains not to faith but rather to the carnal descent,
they are in error. This subject has been splendidly treated by Paul
(Rom 9, 6). There he establishes the fact that the children of Abraham
are not his carnal descendants but those who have his faith (Gal 3,
7).

197. The same thought is suggested here by Moses, who says in so many
words, "Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Shem." This shows that there is
no blessing except by the God of Shem. Hence, no Jew will share this
blessing unless he have the God of Shem; that is, unless he believes.
Nor will Japheth share the blessing unless he dwells in the tents of
Shem, that is, unless he associates himself with him in faith.

198. This is a grand promise, valid unto the end of the world. But
just as it is limited to those who have the God of Shem, that is, who
believe, so the curse also is limited to those who abide in the
wickedness of Ham. Noah spoke these words, not on the strength of
human authority and feeling, but by the Spirit of God. His words then
refer not to a temporal, but to a spiritual and eternal curse. Nor
must we understand him to speak of a curse that is a curse only in the
sight of the world, but rather of one in the sight of God.

199. The same statement has been made heretofore (ch 4 para 182)
regarding the curse of Cain. Judged by outward appearances, Cain
obtained a greater earthly blessing than Seth. God desires that his
Church in this world shall apparently suffer the curse pronounced upon
the wicked and that, on the other hand, the wicked shall seem to be
blessed. Cain was the first man to build a city, calling it Enoch;
while Seth dwelt in tents.

200. Thus did Ham build the city and tower of Babel and ruled far and
wide, while Shem and Japheth were poor, living in lowly tents. The
facts of history, then, teach that both the promises and the curses of
God are not to be understood carnally, or of the present life, but
spiritually. Although oppressed in the world, the righteous are surely
heirs and sons of God, while the wicked, though flourishing for a
season, shall ultimately be cut down and wither; a warning often
uttered in the Psalms.

201. There is a striking similarity in the conduct and the lot of Cain
and Ham. Cain killed his brother, which shows plainly enough the lack
of reverence for his father in his heart. Having been put in the ban
by his father, he leaves the Church