Etymology and Meaning
The name "Pahath-moab" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Governor of Moab" or "Ruler of Moab." This name likely indicates a familial or tribal connection to the region of Moab, suggesting a historical or administrative link to this area east of the Jordan River.

Biblical References
Pahath-moab is primarily mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, particularly in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. This name refers to a prominent family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah.

1. Ezra 2:6 : "the descendants of Pahath-moab, of the line of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812;"

This verse lists the descendants of Pahath-moab among those who returned with Zerubbabel. The mention of Jeshua and Joab suggests a lineage or leadership role within the community.

2. Nehemiah 7:11 : "the descendants of Pahath-moab, of the line of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818;"

Similar to the account in Ezra, Nehemiah records the descendants of Pahath-moab as part of the group that returned to rebuild Jerusalem. The slight numerical discrepancy between Ezra and Nehemiah is a point of scholarly discussion but does not detract from the significance of the family.

3. Ezra 8:4 : "of the descendants of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men;"

This passage highlights Eliehoenai, a leader from the Pahath-moab family, who returned with Ezra. The mention of 200 men indicates the family's substantial contribution to the repopulation and restoration efforts.

4. Nehemiah 10:14 : "The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,"

Pahath-moab is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah's time, demonstrating their commitment to the spiritual and communal renewal of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context
The Pahath-moab family played a significant role in the restoration of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. Their inclusion in the lists of returnees and covenant signatories underscores their importance in the reestablishment of Jewish society and religious practices. The connection to Moab may reflect historical ties or administrative roles during the period of the united monarchy or earlier.

Theological Significance
The return of the Pahath-moab family, along with other exiles, fulfills the prophetic promises of restoration and renewal for Israel. Their participation in rebuilding the temple and city walls symbolizes the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and the continuity of the covenant community. The involvement of Pahath-moab in the covenant renewal under Nehemiah highlights the collective responsibility of the Israelites to uphold the Law and maintain their distinct identity as God's chosen people.

Conclusion
The Pahath-moab family serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish people and their commitment to God's covenant. Their account is a reminder of the importance of leadership, faithfulness, and community in the life of God's people.Pahath-Moab

ruler of Moab

Governor of Moab, a person whose descendants returned from the Captivity and assisted in rebuilding Jerusalem (Ezra 2:6; 8:4; 10:30). PAHATH-MOAB

pa'-hath-mo'-ab (pachath mo'abh, "sheik of Moab"; in I Esdras 5:11; 8:31, "Phaath Moab"): A Jewish clan probably named after an ancestor of the above title. Part of the clan returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:6; compare Nehemiah 7:11) under two family names, Jeshua and Joab; and a part came back with Ezra (Ezra 8:4). Hashub, a "son of Pahath-moab," is named among the repairers of both the wall and the "tower of the furnaces" at Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:11). It is the name of one of the signatories "sealing" the "sure covenant" of Nehemiah 9:38 (Nehemiah 10:14). Some of the sons of this name had taken "strange wives" (Ezra 10:30)

Henry Wallace

6355. Pachath Moab -- a postexilic name
... Pachath Moab. 6356 . a postexilic name. Transliteration: Pachath Moab Phonetic
Spelling: (pakh'-ath mo-awb') Short Definition: Pahath-moab. ... Pahath-moab. ...
/hebrew/6355.htm - 6kPahathmoab (6 Occurrences)
... 7:11) under two family names, Jeshua and Joab; and a part came back with Ezra (Ezra
8:4). Hashub, a "son of Pahath-moab," is named ...Pahathmoab (6 Occurrences). ...
/p/pahathmoab.htm - 9k

Pahath-moab (6 Occurrences)
Pahath-moab. Pahathmoab, Pahath-moab. Pa'hath-moab . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Pahathmoab, Pahath-moab. Pa'hath-moab . Reference Bible.
/p/pahath-moab.htm - 9k

Pa'hath-mo'ab (5 Occurrences)
... Pa'hath-mo'ab (5 Occurrences). Ezra 8:4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai
the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males. (See RSV). ...
/p/pa'hath-mo'ab.htm - 7k

Phaath
... Phaath Moab; Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Phthaleimoab (1 Esdras 5:11); 1
Esdras 8:31 (the King James Version "PahathMoab"), Codex Vaticanus followed by ...
/p/phaath.htm - 7k

Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
... (4) A man of Pahath-moab, some of whose descendants ... Ezra 2:6 The children of Pahathmoab,
of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve. ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

Pa'hath-moab (1 Occurrence)
... Ezra 2:6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand
eight hundred twelve. (See RSV). Pahath-moab, Pa'hath-moab. Pa'hath-mo' ...
/p/pa'hath-moab.htm - 6k

Adna (2 Occurrences)
... He belonged to Pahath-moab (Ezra 10:30). ... Ezra 10:30 Of the sons of Pahathmoab: Adna,
and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, and Binnui, and Manasseh ...
/a/adna.htm - 7k

Moab (162 Occurrences)
... Phaath Moab; Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Phthaleimoab (1 Esdras 5:11); 1
Esdras 8:31 (the King James Version "PahathMoab"), Codex Vaticanus followed by ...
/m/moab.htm - 62k

Namely (81 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ezra 2:6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua
and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve. (See RSV). ...
/n/namely.htm - 31k

What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When did Moab and Ammon eventually worship the Lord (Zephaniah 2:11)? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.org

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