The Sabeans were an ancient people mentioned several times in the Bible. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about who the Sabeans were and their significance in biblical history:
The Sabeans were inhabitants of the kingdom of Sheba located in the southern region of the Arabian Peninsula, likely in modern-day Yemen. Sheba was known for its wealth and prosperity as an important trading center along the spice trade routes. The people of Sheba were called Sabeans.
The Queen of Sheba is the most well-known Sabean figure in the Bible. She traveled to Jerusalem to visit King Solomon, attracted by stories of his wisdom and wealth. The Queen tested Solomon with difficult questions and riddles, and was impressed by his answers. She gave lavish gifts of spices, gold and precious stones to Solomon in exchange for his wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-13).
The visit of the Queen of Sheba opened up trade relationships between Israel and Sheba during Solomon’s reign. Solomon’s navy of trading ships brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks from their voyages, which likely included trade with Sheba (1 Kings 10:22).
The Sabeans are also mentioned as being conquered by Saul, the first king of Israel. After Saul delivers Israel from the Ammonites, it is said that he “fought against all his enemies on every side: against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines; wherever he turned he routed them. He did valiantly and struck down the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them” (1 Samuel 14:47-48). The Sabeans would have been among these neighboring enemies of Saul’s kingdom.
Later in Israel’s history, the prophet Isaiah condemned the drunkards of Ephraim who had “made a covenant with death” and “an agreement with Sheol.” As part of their punishment, Isaiah prophesies that “the overflowing scourge shall pass through you, and you shall be beaten down by it” and “it shall pass on to Judah; it shall reach to the neck, and the stretching out of its wings shall fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel” (Isaiah 28:15,18). The “overflowing scourge” is identified as “the mighty army of the Assyrians, commanded by the king of Babylon, which was then besieging Jerusalem” (vs. 19). The passage then states “For the Lord will rise up…that he may do his deed—strange is his deed! And perform his work—alien is his work!…To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, but I will put my fear in your hearts so you do not go astray” (Isaiah 28:21-23). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and deported many Israelites away. Though the Sabeans are not directly named here, they were likely among the inhabitants of the earth who God would punish through the Assyrians as divine judgment for their iniquity.
The Sabeans are next mentioned by the prophet Joel, who lists them among the nations that will face God’s judgment: “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land…Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:1-2,13-14). Though not singled out, the Sabeans are included in the judgment coming on the nations.
The Sabeans also appear in a prophecy against the Chaldeans in Habakkuk 3. After pronouncing woe upon the Chaldeans for their violence and bloodshed, the prophecy states that “The tents of Cushan; the curtains of Midian tremble…Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength.” (Habakkuk 3:7, 17-19). Though not directly named, as inhabitants of Arabia the Sabeans were likely affected by this judgment on the Chaldeans.
The Sabeans are mentioned one final time in the book of Job, where Job’s friend Bildad exhorts Job to repent and seek God’s mercy. As part of his argument, Bildad lists the Sabeans alongside other groups and elements of nature that live in awe and fear of God’s power: “The shades below tremble, the waters and their inhabitants. Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering. He stretches out Zaphon over the void, and hangs the earth upon nothing. He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not split open under them. He covers the face of the full moon, and spreads over it his cloud. He has described a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke. By his power he stilled the sea; by his understanding he shattered Rahab. By his wind the heavens were made fair; his hand pierced the fleeing serpent. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways; and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:5-14). The Sabeans are included among the inhabitants of the earth who recognize God’s supreme power and sovereignty.
In summary, the biblical references indicate the Sabeans were a powerful and wealthy civilization based in southern Arabia. They were involved in international trade including with Israel during Solomon’s reign. The prophets pronounce judgment upon the Sabeans alongside other nations for their idolatry and sin. Overall the Sabeans are depicted as pagan Gentiles who worshipped other gods, and who experienced both interactions and judgments from the God of Israel throughout Old Testament history.
Though few details are provided about their specific religious beliefs and practices, the inclusion of the Sabeans alongside other idolatrous nations indicates they worshipped pagan gods rather than the true God. However, verses in Job suggest at least some Sabeans recognized God’s supreme power over creation, even though they were polytheistic idolaters. There are also extra-biblical references to the moon god Ilmaqah as the chief god of the Sabean pantheon.
Some additional details and implications from the biblical references include:
- The riches brought by the Queen of Sheba suggest the Sabean kingdom was incredibly wealthy, likely due to its central role in ancient trade routes. The gifts she brought Solomon are described as being particularly lavish and valuable (1 Kings 10:2).
- The Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon in Jerusalem implies the Sabeans were familiar with the God of Israel and Solomon’s great wisdom even prior to her visit. She was initially drawn by reports of Solomon’s wisdom and desired to receive instruction from him (1 Kings 10:1).
- The Assyrian conquest mentioned in Isaiah may provide a timeframe for when the kingdom of Sheba/Sabeans fell and lost prominence as a centralized power. This likely occurred in the 8th century BC.
- In relation to biblical history, the Sabeans were a powerful pagan civilization contemporaries with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah during the early First Temple and Iron Age periods. Contact and trade relationships were established during the united monarchy under David and Solomon.
In conclusion, the Sabeans inhabited southern Arabia in the region of Sheba. They were a wealthy civilization involved in international trade, including with Israel under Solomon. The Sabeans worshipped pagan gods, experienced interaction with Israel at times, and were subject to prophetic judgments from the God of Israel for their idolatry alongside other nations. Though few details are provided, the biblical references indicate the Sabeans were an influential regional power contemporary with ancient Israel prior to their conquest by the Assyrian empire.
Key points:
– The Sabeans inhabited the kingdom of Sheba in southern Arabia (modern Yemen)
– They were known for wealth, international trade, and the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem
– They worshipped pagan gods and idols, including likely the moon god Ilmaqah
– The Sabeans experienced interaction with Israel under Solomon, and judgments from Israel’s prophets for idolatry
– Their kingdom fell in the 8th century BC with the Assyrian conquest of the region
– Biblically, they were a powerful pagan civilization in Arabia during the early First Temple Period of Israel’s history