Lud: A Son of Shem
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Lud is a biblical figure mentioned as one of the sons of Shem, who was a son of Noah. The genealogical account of Lud is found in the Book of Genesis, which provides the lineage of the post-flood nations. According to Genesis 10:22 , "The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram." This places Lud among the Semitic peoples, who are traditionally considered the ancestors of various ancient Near Eastern groups.

Genealogical Context

Lud's position in the genealogical records of Genesis is significant as it connects him to the broader narrative of the descendants of Noah, who repopulated the earth after the flood. The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 outlines the spread of Noah's descendants and their establishment of various tribes and nations. Lud, as a son of Shem, is part of this foundational narrative that explains the origins of different ethnic groups and their territories.

Historical and Geographical Associations

The descendants of Lud are often associated with the Lydians, an ancient people who inhabited the region of Lydia in western Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). This association is supported by historical and linguistic evidence, although the Bible does not explicitly link Lud to Lydia. The Lydians were known for their rich culture and significant contributions to the ancient world, including the introduction of coinage.

Biblical References and Interpretations

While Lud is mentioned in the genealogical lists, there are no detailed narratives or accounts about him in the Bible. However, the name Lud appears in other biblical passages, often in prophetic contexts. For instance, in Isaiah 66:19 , Lud is mentioned among the nations to whom God will send messengers: "I will set a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, Lud, Meshech, Tubal, and Javan—to the distant islands that have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. And they will proclaim My glory among the nations."

In Ezekiel 27:10 , Lud is listed as a participant in the military forces of Tyre: "Men of Persia, Lud, and Put served as warriors in your army; they hung their shields and helmets in you, bestowing splendor on you." This reference suggests that the descendants of Lud were known for their martial prowess and were involved in the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East.

Cultural and Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Lud's inclusion in the Table of Nations underscores the biblical theme of the unity and diversity of humanity. As a descendant of Shem, Lud is part of the Semitic lineage, which holds a special place in biblical history due to its connection to the patriarchs and the chosen people of Israel. The mention of Lud and his descendants in prophetic literature highlights the universal scope of God's plan and the inclusion of all nations in His redemptive purposes.

In summary, Lud is a figure whose biblical presence is primarily genealogical, yet his mention in prophetic texts points to a broader narrative of divine interaction with the nations. His association with the Lydians provides a historical context that enriches our understanding of the ancient world and its peoples.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:22
The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:17
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
3865. Lud -- a son of Shem, also his desc. and their land
... 3864, 3865. Lud. 3866 . a son of Shem, also his desc. and their land.
Transliteration: Lud Phonetic Spelling: (lood) Short Definition: Lud. ...
/hebrew/3865.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter x
... last, we are not on that account to suppose that Shem was the youngest son of Noah. ...
The sons of Shem: Elam and Asshur and Arpachshad and Lud and Aram. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... "There are three that can bear record in heaven" (1 John 5:7-9). These three are
called "the Father, the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit"; each of which is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

[Endnotes]
... Thus the first is always Peter, the fifth Philip, the ninth James the son of Alpheus,
and the twelfth Judas Iscariot. ... SHEM. " HAM. Elam.Asshur.Arphaxad, Lud. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Resources
Who were the sons of Noah, and what happened to them and their descendants? | GotQuestions.org

Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.org

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