Uzal
“Possibly 'separate' or uncertain derivation”
Summary
The sixth son of Joktan whose descendants settled in Yemen, founding the city later known as Sanaa.
☩Descendant of Shem
Uzal was the sixth named of the thirteen sons of Joktan among the descendants of Shem, representing one of the Arabian peoples who settled in the southern part of the Arabian peninsula.
☩Connection to Sanaa
Jewish and Arab traditions identify Uzal with the ancient name of Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen (modern-day Yemen's capital). Ancient sources confirm that Sanaa was originally called Azal or Uzal before receiving its current name, which is said to derive from an Abyssinian word meaning 'beautiful.' The city was situated in a mountainous region of central Yemen, renowned for its fertile lands and strong fortifications, including the famous palace of Ghumdan.
☩Trade Connections
Ezekiel may allude to this region when speaking of trade with Tyre, where 'Javan of Uzal' is mentioned as conveying goods including wrought iron, cassia, and calamus to the markets of Tyre. The neighboring regions of Sheba and Dedan mentioned in the same prophetic context support this southern Arabian identification.
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Uzal," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Uzal," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Uzal," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Uzal," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Uzal," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).