Phut: Son of Ham
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Phut, also spelled Put, is recognized in the Bible as one of the sons of Ham, who was the son of Noah. The genealogical account of Phut is found in the Book of Genesis, where it states: "The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan" (Genesis 10:6). This places Phut among the early post-Flood generations, contributing to the repopulation and dispersion of peoples across the earth.

Genealogical Context

Phut is listed as a brother to Cush, Mizraim, and Canaan, each of whom is associated with the establishment of various ancient nations and peoples. The descendants of Ham are traditionally linked to regions in Africa and parts of the Near East. Phut's lineage is often associated with the region of North Africa, particularly the area corresponding to modern-day Libya.

Historical and Geographical Associations

The name Phut is frequently connected with the Libyans in ancient texts. In the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, Phut is mentioned alongside other nations in contexts that suggest a geographical and military alliance. For instance, the prophet Ezekiel refers to Phut in a passage concerning the judgment of Egypt: "Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt" (Ezekiel 30:5). This indicates that Phut was considered a significant entity in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah includes Phut in a list of nations that will be defeated by Babylon: "Come up, horses; race furiously, chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put, who carry the shield, men of Lydia, who draw the bow" (Jeremiah 46:9). These references suggest that Phut was known for its military capabilities, particularly in terms of providing mercenaries or allied forces.

Cultural and Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of Phut and his descendants in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) underscores the biblical theme of the dispersion of humanity and the establishment of diverse nations following the Flood. This dispersion is seen as part of God's providential plan for humanity, setting the stage for the unfolding of redemptive history.

Phut's inclusion in the prophetic oracles against the nations serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over all peoples and nations. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as the ultimate ruler who holds the destinies of nations in His hands, using them to accomplish His purposes in history.

Conclusion

While the biblical text provides limited information about Phut himself, the references to his descendants and their geographical associations offer insight into the ancient world's complex network of nations and cultures. Phut's legacy, as recorded in Scripture, contributes to the broader understanding of the post-Flood world and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:6
And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:8
The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
6316. Put -- a son of Ham, also his desc. and their land
... Phut, Put. Of foreign origin; Put, a son of Ham, also the name of his descendants
or their region, and of a Persian tribe -- Phut, Put. 6315, 6316. ...
/hebrew/6316.htm - 6k
Library

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... the Grecian historiographers mention that river and the adjoining country by the
appellation of Phut: but the ... Canaan, the fourth son of Ham, inhabited the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

Jewish Chronology Continued.
... from whom came the Canaanites; Mizraim, from whom the Egyptians; Cush, from whom
the Ethiopians; and Phut, from whom the ... [1071] [The only son of Ham who did ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxvii jewish chronology continued.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. ... Aram, "Cush, Mizraim, Phut. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

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