Overview:
Phaath is a name that appears in the genealogical records of the post-exilic community of Israel. It is associated with the descendants who returned from the Babylonian exile and participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. The name is often linked with the family of Pahath-Moab, which is mentioned in the context of the returnees.

Biblical References:
The name Phaath is closely related to Pahath-Moab, which appears in several key passages in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These books document the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to restore their homeland.

1. Ezra 2:6 : "the descendants of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,812;"
· This verse lists the descendants of Pahath-Moab among those who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The mention of Jeshua and Joab indicates a lineage that was significant in the restoration efforts.

2. Nehemiah 7:11 : "the descendants of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,818;"
· Similar to the account in Ezra, this verse in Nehemiah provides a census of the returnees, affirming the presence and contribution of the Pahath-Moab family in the rebuilding process.

3. Nehemiah 10:14 : "The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,"
· Here, Pahath-Moab is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant, committing to follow the Law of God as part of the renewed community in Jerusalem.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The mention of Phaath, particularly in the form of Pahath-Moab, highlights the importance of family lineages in the post-exilic period. These genealogies served not only as records of ancestry but also as affirmations of identity and continuity for the Jewish people. The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, and the participation of families like Pahath-Moab was crucial in re-establishing religious and social order.

Theologically, the inclusion of Pahath-Moab in the lists of returnees and covenant signatories underscores the theme of restoration and faithfulness. Despite the challenges of exile, the descendants of Pahath-Moab, along with other families, demonstrated a commitment to God's covenant and the rebuilding of the Temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity.

Cultural Context:
The name Pahath-Moab suggests a connection to Moab, a region and people often at odds with Israel throughout biblical history. This connection may indicate a historical or geographical link, reflecting the complex interactions between Israel and its neighbors. The returnees' willingness to embrace their heritage and contribute to the community's restoration reflects the broader narrative of redemption and hope that characterizes the post-exilic period.

In summary, Phaath, as part of the Pahath-Moab lineage, represents a significant element in the account of Israel's return from exile, embodying themes of continuity, leadership, and covenant faithfulness.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

Phaath
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHAATH MOAB. fa'-ath, mo'-ab (Codex Alexandrinus
Phaath Moab; Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Phthaleimoab ...
/p/phaath.htm - 7k

Moab (162 Occurrences)
... H. Porter. PHAATH MOAB. fa'-ath, mo'-ab (Codex Alexandrinus Phaath Moab;
Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Phthaleimoab (1 Esdras ...
/m/moab.htm - 62k

Zaraias
... Vaticanus and Swete) = "Zerahiah" of Ezra 7:4 and apparently= "Arna" of 2 Esdras
1:2. (3) The father of Eliaonias, the leader of the sons of Phaath Moab under ...
/z/zaraias.htm - 7k

Eliaonias
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELIAONIAS. e-li-ao-ni'-as (Elialonias): A descendant
of Phaath Moab (APC 1Esdras 8:31); called "Eliehoenai" in Ezra 8:4. ...
/e/eliaonias.htm - 6k

Pahathmoab (6 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/p/pahathmoab.htm - 9k

Phacareth

/p/phacareth.htm - 6k

Pahath-moab (6 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/p/pahath-moab.htm - 9k

Peulthai (1 Occurrence)

/p/peulthai.htm - 7k

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