Arabians
Summary
The nomadic tribes inhabiting the territory east and south of Palestine, descended from Ishmael and Keturah, who had varied relations with Israel throughout biblical history.
☩Origin
The Arabians descended from the sons of Keturah whom Abraham sent "eastward, to the east country," and from the descendants of Ishmael and Esau. Some call themselves Ishmaelite Arabs, and in the south there are Joktanite Arabs. Many became princes and their descendants still hold the land.
☩Relations with Israel
Solomon received gifts or tribute from the kings of Arabia, as did Jehoshaphat. During Jehoram's reign, Arabians attacked Judah, plundering the palace and carrying away the king's wives and sons. Uzziah later defeated them. During the captivity, some Arabians settled in Palestine and opposed Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The prophets pronounced judgment against them along with other nations.
☩Later History
On the day of Pentecost, Arabians were present in Jerusalem and heard the apostles speaking in various tongues. Paul went to Arabia after his conversion. The Arabians will likely be included among the confederacies raised against God's people when Israel is restored to their land.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Arabians," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Arabians," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).