Pahath Moab
“Governor of Moab”
Summary
Pahath Moab was the head of one of the chief houses of the tribe of Judah whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile.
☩Origin of the Name
The name Pahath Moab, meaning 'governor of Moab,' likely traces to early Judean history when the Shilonite families of Judah 'had dominion in Moab.' This connection may relate to the migration of Elimelech and his sons into Moab as recorded in the book of Ruth. The association of the children of Joab with the sons of Pahath-Moab further suggests links to the families mentioned in Chronicles who had authority in Moab.
☩Post-Exilic Prominence
The family of Pahath-Moab held high rank among the returning exiles, appearing fourth in the lists of Ezra and Nehemiah. Their chief signed second among the lay princes in the sacred covenant. Two hundred of its males accompanied Elihoenai when he came up with Ezra from Babylon. The family's leader Hashub repaired two portions of the wall of Jerusalem, commensurate with their large numbers.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Pahath-Moab," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Pahath Moab," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.George Morrish, "Pahathmoab," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Pahathmoab," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).