What do we know about the Sabeans?

TL;DR:

The Sabeans were a nation talked about in Job, Isaiah, and Joel. The Sabeans remind us that God is in control of nations that rise and fall.

The Old Testament passages reveal that the Sabeans were a people group during the time of Job. Their demise was predicted by Isaiah and Joel. There may be connections between the Sabeans and Sheba, where the Queen of Sheba came from. The Sabeans reveal to us that power comes and goes and that God is the One who is ultimately in control.

from the old testament

In the book of Job, the Sabeans attack and kill Job's servants, steal his livestock, and leave just one witness to tell Job about it (Job 1:13–15).
Isaiah foretells when the Israelites will conquer the Egyptians, Cushites, and Sabeans, who will all eventually acknowledge the God of the Israelites as the only true God. Isaiah calls the Sabeans "men of stature" (Isaiah 45:14).
The prophet Joel identifies the Sabeans as a distant people to whom the Israelites will sell their slaves (Joel 3:8). This event is part of God's punishment of the people of Tyre and Sidon for opposing His children and was fulfilled when their land was destroyed as a result of civil war.

from the new testament

The Sabeans are not mentioned in the New Testament.

implications for today

The passages about the Sabeans in the books of Job, Isaiah, and Joel teach us important lessons about resilience, justice, and the transient nature of power and wealth. Job's experience with the Sabeans emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and resilience in the face of adversity, knowing that God will judge. Isaiah's prophecy about the Sabeans highlights the temporary nature of earthly power and the ultimate acknowledgment of a higher divine authority, reminding us to prioritize spiritual growth, biblical morality, and godly behavior. Joel's reference to the Sabeans illustrates the inevitability of justice and accountability, encouraging us to act justly and treat others fairly. Together, these lessons remind us of the value of integrity and humility as well as the importance of bearing witness to truth.

understand

The Sabeans attacked Job’s servants and livestock.
Isaiah foretold that the Sabeans would be conquered by the Israelites.
The land of the Sabeans was eventually destroyed as a result of civil war.

reflect

What about God’s character allows you to maintain faith and perseverance during difficult times as Job did when the Sabeans ravaged his possessions?
Reflect on Isaiah's prophecy. How do you perceive the transient nature of power and wealth in your own life? What steps can you take to prioritize spiritual growth and ethical behavior?
Consider Joel's message about justice and accountability. How can you ensure that your actions are just and fair towards others, especially in difficult situations?

engage

The Sabeans lived in a place identified as Sheba. Archeologists believe Sheba, also known as Marib, existed from 1200 BC to AD 275 and was known for its spices. In the Old Testament the Queen of Sheba, or Queen of the South, traveled to hear Solomon's wisdom and she gave him many riches (1 Kings 10). Though not specifically identified as such, she was likely a Sabean, meaning they were likely a wealthy people. Centuries later, Sheba collapsed in civil war and was then ruled by the Himyarites. The Sabeans no longer exist as a distinct people group.
How do the stories of the Sabeans in Job, Isaiah, and Joel demonstrate God's control over the rise and fall of nations, and how does this influence our understanding of current world events?
What do the Sabeans reveal to us about human nature?