Zabadaeans
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Zabadaeans in the Bible?
An Arabian tribe defeated and plundered by Jonathan Maccabeus following his victory at Hamath, as recorded in 1 Maccabees 12:31, with their name potentially preserved in the modern town of ez-Zebedani.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying the Zabadaeans clarifies the geopolitical landscape of the region during the Hasmonean period, illustrating the complex network of tribal alliances and conflicts that influenced the military campaigns described in the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Zabadaeans reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Zabadaeans in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zabadaeans clarify?
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Zabadaeans." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zabadaeans/