In order to set the stage for the Hebrews and their arrival on the world stage, we must paint a picture of world as of the date of 1500 BC. In order to do this, we will be discussing Africa and Canaan and its colonization back to the descendants of Ham, son of Noah. Ham's sons and their families and descendants are responsible for the civilizations - the Hittites, Canaanites, Egyptians and other African nations. We will spend considerable time on the Canaanites, the future enemies of Israel and reference the Canaanite curses and how they impact the descendants of Abraham.