Phut or Put
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Topical Encyclopedia
Phut, also known as Put, is a name mentioned in the Bible that refers to both a person and a region. The name appears in the genealogies and prophetic writings of the Old Testament, and it is associated with the descendants of Noah and the nations surrounding ancient Israel.

Genealogical Context

Phut is listed as one of the sons of Ham, who was one of Noah's three sons. In Genesis 10:6 , the Table of Nations records, "The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan." This genealogical listing places Phut among the early post-flood nations, indicating his role as a progenitor of a people group. The descendants of Phut are traditionally associated with regions in North Africa, particularly around the area of modern-day Libya.

Geographical and Historical Context

The region associated with Phut is often identified with the area west of Egypt, corresponding to parts of ancient Libya. This identification is supported by various historical and biblical references that link Phut with North African territories. In Ezekiel 27:10 , Phut is mentioned in the context of mercenaries: "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 passage suggests that the people of Phut were known for their martial prowess and were employed as soldiers by other nations.

Prophetic References

Phut is also mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, often in the context of divine judgment against the nations. In Ezekiel 30:5 , Phut is listed among the nations that will fall by the sword: "Cush and Put, Lud and all the mixed peoples, and Libya and the men of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with them." This prophecy indicates that Phut, along with other nations, would experience God's judgment, likely due to their opposition to Israel or their involvement in conflicts against God's people.

Cultural and Military Significance

The people of Phut were known for their skills in warfare, as indicated by their frequent mention as mercenaries. In Jeremiah 46:9 , the text refers to their military capabilities: "Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow." This highlights their role as formidable warriors in the ancient Near Eastern military landscape.

Conclusion

Phut, or Put, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative as both a descendant of Ham and a region known for its military contributions. The biblical references to Phut provide insight into the interconnectedness of ancient nations and the unfolding of God's plans through history.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Phut or Put

A son of Ham, Genesis 10:6, whose posterity are named with Cush and Ludim as serving in Egyptian armies, and as part of the host of Gog, Jeremiah 46:9 Ezekiel 27:10 30:5 38:5 Nahum 3:9. In several of these passages Phut is translated Libyans. Josephus identifies them with the Mauritanians, in Northern Africa towards the west. See LIBYA.

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.
... and a metropolis also, is Tarsus, the tau being by change put for the theta ... Phut
also was the founder of Libya, and called the inhabitants Phutites, from himself ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

Psalm LXXII.
... [3236] For this is put forward even in the ... [3214] [It must be borne in mind that
the Hindoos as well as the sons of Phut were so called.--C.]. [3215] Oxf. mss. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxii.htm

[Endnotes]
... together in their coming to Christ, so in the rest of the evangelists, Philip and
Bartholomew are constantly put together without ... Aram, "Cush, Mizraim, Phut. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... He tells us that in his youth "God put it into my parents hearts to put me to school,
to learn to read and write as other poor men's children; though, to my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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