Genesis 10 - Table of Nations

Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, provides an account of how the descendants of Noah repopulated the earth after the flood. Among them, Ham’s lineage is particularly notable as it gave rise to some of the most historically significant civilizations, including those of Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. These nations played a major role in biblical history and the ancient world, contributing to the cultural, political, and economic landscape of their times. This article explores the descendants of Ham, their historical and archaeological significance, and their interactions with Israel and other nations.

The modern names corresponding to the biblical regions of Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan are: Cush modern day Sudan and parts of southern Egypt. Historically, Cush or Kush, referred to the ancient Nubian kingdom located along the Upper Nile, primarily in what is now Sudan. Some references also link it to Ethiopia, but the biblical Cush is more accurately associated with Nubia.

Mirami – Modern Egypt. The Hebrew name Mizraim (מצרים) has always referred to Egypt. The dual form of the name possibly reflects the ancient division between Upper and Lower Egypt.

Put – Modern Libya and parts of Northwest Africa. Put is traditionally identified with the region west of Egypt, corresponding to the ancient Libyan territories. Some scholars suggest it could extend to parts of Algeria and Tunisia.

Canaan – Modern Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria and Jordan. The biblical land of Canaan encompassed much of the Levant, including the territories of the ancient Canaanites, Phoenicians (modern Lebanese coast), and other tribes inhabiting the region before Israel’s settlement.

Cush, the firstborn son of Ham in Genesis 10:6, is associated with the ancient kingdom located south of Egypt. In biblical references, “Cush” corresponds to Nubia or Ethiopia--not to be confused with modern Ethiopia, but rather the region along the Upper Nile, covering present-day Sudan and southern Egypt. The Cushites are mentioned frequently in the Hebrew Bible, signifying their prominence in ancient times.

The Kingdom of Kush was an advanced African civilization, flourishing from around 2500 BCE to 350 CE. Early Nubian cultures, such as the Kerma civilization 2500–1500 BCE,, built large mud-brick temples, royal tombs, and cities with sophisticated architecture. The later Napatan and Meroitic periods 1000 BCE – 350 CE, saw the rise of pyramidal structures, a distinct writing system, and powerful rulers such as Taharqa (biblical Tirhakah), who reigned over both Kush and Egypt during the 25th Dynasty, 700 BCE.

Cush played a role in biblical history in various ways. Moses married a Cushite woman Numbers 12:1, and King Tirhakah of Cush intervened against Assyria to help King Hezekiah of Judah, 2 Kings 19:9. Additionally, a Cushite eunuch appears in the New Testament, reading Isaiah and being baptised by Philip, Acts 8:26–39, showing a long tradition of contact with Israel.

Excavations in Sudan have uncovered temples, pyramids, and artefacts attesting to the wealth and influence of the Kingdom of Kush. Sites like Meroë

wealthy capital city and religious center in the ancient kingdom of Kush, located in present-day Sudan. It flourished from around 750 BCE to 350 CE and was one of the first African cities outside of Egypt. Along with Kema showcase Nubia’s grandeur, and Egyptian records confirm their long-standing interaction, sometimes as allies, sometimes as rivals.

Mizraim, the Hebrew name for Egypt, appears as a son of Ham Genesis 10:6. The dual form of the name may reflect Upper and Lower Egypt, which were historically unified into a single kingdom around 3100 BCE. The descendants of Mizraim, listed in Genesis 10:13–14, include the Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim, and Caphtorim--some of whom are linked to Egypt’s neighboring regions.