Genesis 10:15 - Meaning and Application

Notice here, first, that the account of Canaan’s descendants, their families, nations, and land, is fuller than the rest in this chapter. That is because these were the nations Israel would later have to conquer, and their land would, in time, become the holy land, the land of Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Moses points to this same truth in (Deuteronomy 32:8), where he says that when the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, he fixed their borders with Israel in view.

Second, this shows that Canaan’s descendants were many, wealthy, and well placed. Even so, Canaan was under a curse, a just divine curse, not one without reason. People who are under God’s curse may still seem to do very well in this world, so we cannot judge God’s favor or anger by outward success alone, but by what is in the heart, as in (Ecclesiastes 9:1).

God’s curse always works in a real way, and it is always serious. Sometimes it is hidden and touches the soul first, or it works slowly and does not show up right away. Still, it leaves sinners stored up for the day of wrath. So Canaan’s line may have had a better land than Shem or Japheth, but Shem and Japheth had the better portion, because they inherited the blessing.