Libyans

The Libyans are mentioned in the Bible as a people from the region west of Egypt, known in ancient times as Libya. In the Hebrew Bible, they are referred to as "Put" or "Phut," which is often associated with the descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons (Genesis 10:6). The Libyans are frequently mentioned in the context of military alliances and conflicts involving Egypt and other nations.

In 2 Chronicles 12:3, the Libyans are part of the forces that Shishak, the king of Egypt, brought against Rehoboam, the king of Judah: "With twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites." This passage highlights their role as mercenaries or allies in military campaigns.

The prophet Ezekiel also mentions the Libyans in his oracles against Egypt, indicating their involvement in the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Ezekiel 30:5 states, "Cush and Put, Lud and all the mixed peoples, and Cub and the men of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt." This suggests that the Libyans were part of a coalition of nations that would face judgment alongside Egypt.

Sukkites

The Sukkites are a less frequently mentioned group in the Bible, appearing primarily in the context of military forces. They are listed among the troops that accompanied Shishak, the Egyptian king, in his campaign against Judah (2 Chronicles 12:3). The exact identity and origin of the Sukkites are not well-documented, but they are generally considered to be a nomadic or semi-nomadic people, possibly from the region of the Arabian Peninsula or North Africa.

The mention of the Sukkites alongside the Libyans and Cushites suggests that they were part of a diverse coalition of peoples who served as mercenaries or allies to the Egyptians. Their inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the complex network of alliances and enmities that characterized the ancient Near East.

Cushites

The Cushites, also known as the people of Cush, are frequently mentioned in the Bible as descendants of Cush, the son of Ham (Genesis 10:6-7). Cush is traditionally associated with the region south of Egypt, corresponding to modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia. The Cushites are depicted as a powerful and influential people, known for their military prowess and distinct cultural identity.

In the biblical narrative, the Cushites are often associated with Egypt, either as allies or as part of the Egyptian military forces. In 2 Chronicles 12:3, they are listed among the troops that Shishak brought against Judah. Additionally, the Cushites are mentioned in the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, highlighting their significance in the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the Cushites in a positive light, describing them as a people of "tall and smooth skin" who will bring gifts to the Lord (Isaiah 18:7). This portrayal suggests a recognition of their distinctiveness and the role they would play in the unfolding of God's plan for the nations.

The Cushites also appear in the New Testament, where a notable figure is the Ethiopian eunuch, a high official in the court of the queen of the Ethiopians, who encounters Philip the evangelist and is baptized (Acts 8:27-39). This account highlights the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish world and into Africa, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Christian message.