Introduction:
Phaath Moab is a name that appears in the genealogical and historical records of the post-exilic community of Israel. It is associated with the descendants of a family that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community in the land of Israel.

Biblical References:
Phaath Moab is primarily mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent efforts to restore the temple and the city of Jerusalem.

1. Ezra 2:6 : "the descendants of Pahath-moab, through the line of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812."
This verse lists the descendants of Phaath Moab among those who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from the Babylonian captivity. The mention of Jeshua and Joab suggests a lineage or family group that was significant enough to be recorded in the genealogical records.

2. Nehemiah 7:11 : "the descendants of Pahath-moab, through the line of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818."
Similar to the account in Ezra, Nehemiah records the descendants of Phaath Moab as part of the census of those who returned. The slight difference in numbers between Ezra and Nehemiah may reflect variations in the records or updates made over time.

3. Nehemiah 10:14 : "The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,"
In this context, Phaath Moab is listed among the leaders of the people who sealed the covenant. This indicates that the family or clan held a position of leadership and influence in the community.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marked by efforts to restore religious practices, rebuild the temple, and reestablish the community's identity. Families like Phaath Moab played a crucial role in these efforts, contributing to the labor and resources needed for reconstruction.

The name "Phaath Moab" itself suggests a connection to the region of Moab, which lies east of the Dead Sea. This connection may indicate ancestral ties or historical interactions between the Israelites and the Moabites. The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, but there were also periods of peace and intermarriage, as seen in the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became an ancestor of King David.

Theological Significance:
The inclusion of Phaath Moab in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Jewish faith. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land after exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. The participation of Phaath Moab in the covenant renewal ceremony in Nehemiah 10 highlights the community's commitment to uphold the Law of Moses and to live according to God's commandments.

Conclusion:
While the specific details about the family of Phaath Moab are limited, their mention in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the collective effort of the Jewish people to restore their nation and faith after a period of judgment and exile. The legacy of Phaath Moab is preserved in the sacred texts as a symbol of faithfulness and dedication to God's covenant.Phaath Moab

PHAATH MOAB

fa'-ath, mo'-ab (Codex Alexandrinus Phaath Moab; Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Phthaleimoab (1 Esdras 5:11); 1 Esdras 8:31 (the King James Version "Pahath Moab"), Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete reads Maathmoab; Fritzsche in both places reads Phaath Moab): One of the families, part of which, consisting "of the sons of Jesus and Joab 2,812," went up out of captivity with Zerubbabel and Joshua (1 Esdras 5:11), and part of which, namely, "Eliaonias the son of Zaraias and with him 200 men," went up with Ezra (1 Esdras 8:31 equals "Pahath-moab" of Ezra 2:6; Ezra 8:4; (10:30); and Nehemiah 7:11 (3:11; 10:14)). As the name of a Jewish clan or family the name Phaath or Pahath Moab presents difficulties of which explanations are offered, though none is convincing. It is generally taken as "ruler of Moab," which may refer to the Israelite conquest of Moab in which this family may have distinguished itself, or it may have arisen from the settlement and incorporation of a Moabite family in Hebrew territory, or from the settlement of an Israelite family in Moabite territory (compare 1 Chronicles 4:22); or it may be the corruption of some unknown word or name. Instances of such corruption are quite common in these apocryphal Hebrew proper names.

See PAHATH-MOAB.

S. Angus

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