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The Pirkei D’R’ Eliezer contrasts the debased personality of Cham with those of his brothers. While Noach was inebriated, Shem and Yefes respectfully remained outside of his tent. Cham, in contrast, did not hesitate and audaciously entered. His action was aggrieved even more because he was a father himself. His experience with his own children should have sensitized him to act quite differently towards his father. But not only did he see his father’s shame, he took pleasure in telling about his father to his brothers with sneers and derision.   Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch Zt”l continues with an exposition…

From the sequence of the pesukim it would seem that the Great Flood was the consequence of the widespread corruption. The evil of xnj, while is usually translated as robbery or stealing, but can also be translated as violence, is traditionally emphasized as the major source of their transgression. This generation exhibited a complete lack of respect and sensitivity towards its fellow man. It was one in which its people were uninhibited in over-extending themselves, and stealing the fruits of the labor of others. The Midrash ponders the reason for the destruction of all mankind. Indeed, the criminals must be…