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8

Sloppy Drunk Noah

Read Genesis 9:1–28 (some will be a repeat).

The narrative says that the first thing Noah does when the boat settles on dry land is build an altar and offer a sacrifice to God. Then he immediately plants a vineyard and gets drunk. Any vineyard owner knows it takes between five to seven years to yield grapes. A good amount of time transpired in that one sentence, between his planting a vineyard and getting drunk.

What happened during that time? Why does Noah curse his grandson Canaan and his descendants? The answer might be found in the five to seven years it took to grow the grapes.

Scholars aren’t definitive about it, but what could very likely be implied in the story is that Noah’s grandson attempted to overthrow the tribal headship of his grandfather because Noah was suffering from a posttraumatic reaction to the flood.

Wait. Where did you read that?

Admittedly, you have to read a great deal between the lines to get that interpretation, but that is part of the challenge and fun of interpreting ancient stories. If it’s accurate, Noah’s period of ineffectual leadership is conveyed symbolically in getting drunk, passing out naked, and embarrassing himself in front of the tribe.

So something sketchy happened between Noah and his grandson Canaan. As you read forward into the Bible, you will begin to notice that the Canaanites are not seen in the most positive light. The shaming of Canaan will resurface again and again as we move forward. Canaanites are significant players in the larger arc of the entire Bible. Pay attention. Make a mental note.

The story of Noah and the Great Flood is about God’s judgment, tempered with grace toward one family and his desire to not completely give up on humanity. He makes a covenant with Noah that he will never again destroy the earth with water, and he “signs” that agreement by placing a rainbow in the sky. It is such a dark story, but there is a glimmer of God’s care and hope for creation.

Questions for Reflection or Discussion

1. How do you feel when someone gets drunk? Why do they drink so much?

2. Noah curses his grandson. Why do you think he does this? What did Canaan do wrong?

3. The flood was a traumatic event and likely deeply affected Noah. What are other traumatic events that can profoundly change us? In what ways do they change us, good and bad?