Chapter XXXIII.
About the 350 years that are reported to have been lived by Noah after the flood; then about the descendants of Japheth both literally and morally.
123. Now, since it is said that after the flood Noah lived for three hundred and fifty years, we consider it not to be passed over lightly. For in three hundred is certainly signified the cross of Christ, by whose type the righteous man was delivered from the flood. And in fifty is the number of Jubilee, by which the Holy Spirit was sent from heaven, pouring forth grace into human hearts. Therefore, having completed the number of remission and grace, the righteous man fulfilled the course of his life.
124. Concerning the descendants of Japheth, it is said: 'From these the maritime nations spread out into their respective territories, each with their own language' (Gen. X, 5). It is not without reason that it is called 'broadness', for the generation of Japheth extended not only on land, as nature had ordained for the use of humans, but also went beyond to the sea and reached the islands. This is in accordance with the literal meaning.
125. According to a higher sense, things that are external and are called goods, riches, powers, honors, are spread widely; and not only are the rich content with those things that are in their hands and in their sight, but they spread their desires far and wide, either seeking profit from beyond, or seeking more honor, or seeking broader power, or seeking desire.