Shem was a biblical figure identified as one of the sons of Noah. According to the Book of Genesis, he lived approximately 600 years, fathering Arpachshad two years after the Great Flood. He is traditionally recognized as the progenitor of various Near Eastern groups, including the Semitic peoples. Throughout different religious traditions, he is viewed as a vital link in the lineage of important patriarchs, such as Abraham, and is often honored as a righteous figure or a prophet.