Shem - Blessings of the Fathers

 

When thinking of Noah's three sons, we tend to think of them in order of Shem, Ham, and Japeth.  However, many biblical scholars believe that Japeth was the first born, followed by Shem and then Ham.  However, Shem was the birthright son.  We don't know why Japeth didn't receive the birthright, but it is not without historical precedence such as with Cain and Able. It would happen later as well, as with Esau and Jacob and Simeon and Joseph.
 
All three of Noah's sons were taught the ways of God by their father and probably their grandfathers as well.  Japeth must have fallen short in some way, but we know that Shem was faithful all the days of his life for the scriptures tell us so.  He, in turn, ordained his own male progeny and made them heirs to the blessings of the fathers.  He may have even been the one who ordained Abraham.  This stems from the ancient Hebrew tradition that Seth was actually Melchizedek.  After the flood, Shem settled in Salem and was called a King of Peace.  Melchizedek was the king of Salem and his title/name means King of Peace.


Here are some other thoughts on the subject from an article in the Ensign written by Alma Gygi.  While no one knows for sure if Melchizedek and Shem were one in the same, there is a lot of scriptural basis for such an assumption:

·    The inheritance given to Shem included the land of Salem. Melchizedek appears in scripture as the king of Salem, who reigns over this area.
·    Shem, according to later revelation, reigned in righteousness and the priesthood came through him. Melchizedek appears on the scene with a title that means “king of righteousness.”
·    Shem was the great high priest of his day. Abraham honored the high priest Melchizedek by seeking a blessing at his hands and paying him tithes.
·    Abraham stands next to Shem in the patriarchal order of the priesthood and would surely have received the priesthood from Shem; but the Doctrine and Covenants says Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek.
·   Jewish tradition identifies Shem as Melchizedek.
·    President Joseph F. Smith’s remarkable vision names Shem among the great patriarchs, but no mention is made of Melchizedek
·   Times and Seasons (vol. 6, p. 746) speaks of “Shem, who was Melchizedek. …”

Thus it appears that Abram received his priesthood and the other blessings of the fathers through Shem.  Because of Abram's faithfulness, God Himself renews the covenants of the fathers with Abram and changes his name to Abraham.

Gebara Education 2016