Tema
LocationsGeographical Setting
Tema was an ancient oasis settlement and administrative district in northwestern Arabia, situated along major trade routes connecting the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
What is the meaning of Tema in the Bible?
Tema denotes both a son of Ishmael and a geographical region in northwestern Arabia where his descendants established a significant settlement. The site functioned as a crucial oasis on the caravan route linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Aqaba, evidenced by Assyrian records and archaeological findings.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Tema clarifies the geopolitical context of biblical narratives involving Ishmaelite traders and prophets like Elijah and Ezekiel, illustrating the extensive trade networks and tribal dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula during the Iron Age.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.