Tema

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(“desert”)—(1) a son of Ishmael and ancestor of a tribal group (Gen. 25:15; 1 Chron. 1:30); (2) a North Arabian oasis and trading center, generally identified with Tayma in northwestern Arabia. Caravans of Tema appear beside those of Sheba in Job 6:19. Isaiah addresses the inhabitants of Tema in connection with refugees and the judgment on Arabia (Isa. 21:14), and Jeremiah includes Tema among peoples facing judgment (Jer. 25:23). Its position on caravan routes linked Arabia with Syria, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean world.

Scripture cited

Genesis 25:15 1 Chronicles 1:30 Job 6:19 Esaias 21:14 Jeremias 25:23

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