Tubal
Summary
Tubal was the fifth son of Japheth whose descendants became a nation dwelling in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, known to the Greeks as the Tibareni.
☩Identity and Genealogy
In the ancient ethnological tables of Genesis and 1 Chronicles, Tubal is reckoned with Javan and Meshech among the sons of Japheth. Josephus identified the descendants of Tubal with the Iberians, the inhabitants of a region between the Caspian and Euxine (Black) Seas, corresponding to modern Georgia. Most scholars identify them with the Tibareni mentioned by Herodotus and Xenophon, constantly associated with the Moschi (Meshech) in classical and Assyrian sources.
☩Ancient Territory
The Tibareni occupied territory along the southern coast of the Black Sea, in the region east of the Melet Irmak river. In earlier times they were among the most powerful races, with their territory extending much farther south and west than in Greco-Roman times. The Assyrian monarchs from 1100 to 700 B.C. were often warring with the Muskai and Tuplai east of the Taurus range in what later became Cappadocia. Twenty-four kings of the Tuplai are mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions.
☩Trade and Commerce
Tubal and Meshech are mentioned among the sources of Tyre's wealth, bringing slaves and copper vessels to Phoenician markets. The beautiful slaves from regions bordering the Black Sea were extensively traded by the Cappadocians. The copper of the Mossynoeci (neighbors of the Tibareni) was celebrated for being extremely bright and pure, and the Chalybes between these tribes were famous as metal-smiths.
☩Prophetic Significance
Ezekiel prophesies against Meshech and Tubal as nations of the north destined for destruction. They are named among the forces of Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, who will come against Israel in the latter days but will be destroyed. The district they occupied now forms part of the Russian Empire, which corresponds with their association with Rosh in Ezekiel's prophecy. Their ancient military power is commemorated in the prophet's lament over fallen nations.
Related Verses9 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tubal," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Tubal," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Tubal," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tubal," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Tubal," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).