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Sabeans

/suh-BEE-uhnz/

Summary

A general name for several distinct peoples descended from Seba or Sheba, known as traders, merchants, and in some cases raiders.

☩Various Origins

The name Sabeans encompasses several distinct peoples with different origins. Four progenitors are identified in Scripture: Seba, son of Cush (Hamite); Sheba, grandson of Cush (Hamite); Sheba, descendant of Joktan (Semite); and Sheba, son of Jokshan and grandson of Abraham (Semite). These different lineages settled in various locations and are sometimes difficult to distinguish in biblical references.

Key verses:Genesis 10:7Genesis 10:28Genesis 25:3

☩Raiders and Merchants

Some Sabeans were marauders who swept away Job's oxen and donkeys, killing his servants. In other passages, they appear as traveling merchants known for trading in gold, spices, and precious goods. Isaiah describes them as 'men of stature' who would come in chains before Israel. Joel prophesies that Israel would sell their enemies to the Sabeans, 'a nation far off.'

Key verses:Job 1:15Isaiah 45:14Joel 3:8

☩The Sabeans of Arabia

The most famous Sabeans inhabited Sheba in southern Arabia (modern Yemen), with their capital at Mariaba (Mareb). They were celebrated among Greeks and Hebrews alike for their important commerce in gold, spices, and incense. The queen who visited Solomon was likely mistress of this region. Arab tradition calls her Balkis and claims she became Solomon's wife.

Key verses:1 Kings 10:1-13Psalm 72:10Isaiah 60:6

Related Verses5 mentions

Isaiah· 2 verses

43:345:14

Job· 1 verse

1:15

Joel· 1 verse

3:8

Ezekiel· 1 verse

23:42

See Also

The Bible Reader's Map.
Sheba

References

  1. 1.George Morrish, "Sabeans," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  2. 2.American Tract Society, "Sabeans," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
  3. 3.George Morrish, "Sabeans," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  4. 4.Richard Watson, "Sabeans," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
  5. 5.American Tract Society, "Sabeans," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
  6. 6.George Morrish, "Sabeans," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  7. 7.American Tract Society, "Sabeans," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
  8. 8.American Tract Society, "Sabeans," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).