Keftiu- location and etymology

From: Michael Smith
Message: 32457
Date: 2004-05-03

--- In AncientBibleHistory@yahoogroups.com, "wmattfeld"
<mattfeld12@...> wrote:
Caphtor

According to Genesis 10:14, the Philistines are the descendants of
Ham, father of Egypt, father of the Casluhim, of which they descend.
The "Caphtorim" in the RSV rendering of Genesis 10:14, are NOT the
ancestors of the Philistines, but of the Egyptians:

"Egypt became the father of the Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtulim,
Pathrusim, Casluhim (whence came the Philistines), and Caphtorim."

Looking at this family tree, the Philistines appear to be Egyptian
descendants. Does this notion "square" with statements elsewhere ?

Scholars understand the Philistines are the Pelest, an Aegean
peoples
of Ramesses II's days who invaded and settled in Canaan ca. 1175
BCE.
The bible suggests that the Aegean peoples are the descendants of
Japheth, not Ham and the Egyptians. So if the Philistines are
Caphtorim and Caphtorim are sons of Egypt and Ham, why ?

De 2:23

"As for the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the
Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in
their
stead."

Amos 9:7 declares Philistines are from Caphtor:

"Did I not bring up Israel from the land of Egypt, and the
Philistines from Caphtor...?"

Jeremiah 47:4

"For the Lord is destroying the Philistines, the remnant of the
coastland of Caphtor."

Gibson has noted that in the myths/hymns found at Late bronze Age
Ugarit, the mention of a place called Caphtor. The problem ? It is
apparently located IN EGYPT, where the Caphtorim, the so-
called "sons" of Egypt (Mizraim) are located, according to Genesis
10:14.


"...proceed, O Qodesh-and-Amur.
Then of a truth do you set (your face
towards all broad Memphis (Hi-ku-up-ta-ah),
(towards) KPTR the throne on which he sits,
Memphis (Hi-ku-up-ta-ah) the land of his heritage."

He notes:
"The syntax makes it unlikely that Kptr is the same as biblical
Caphtor, usually identified with Crete.

(p.55."The Palace of Baal." J.C. L. Gibson. _Canaanite Myths and
Legends_. 1977. Edinburgh. T & T Clark.)

Perhaps Gibson is wrong ? And the bible is right in associating
Caphtor with Egypt and Ugaritic Kptr is also in Egypt?

Regards, Walter
Walter Reinhold Warttig Mattfeld y de la Torre, M.A. Ed.
www.bibleorigins.net
mattfeld12@...
--- End forwarded message ---