Sabta: Son of Cush
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Sabta is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the sons of Cush, who was a son of Ham, the son of Noah. This places Sabta within the Table of Nations, a genealogical record found in the Book of Genesis that outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and the nations that emerged from them after the Great Flood.

Biblical References:

Sabta is mentioned specifically in the following passages:

1. Genesis 10:7 : "The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah, and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan."

2. 1 Chronicles 1:9 : "The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan."

These passages are part of the genealogical records that trace the lineage of the post-diluvian world, emphasizing the spread of humanity and the establishment of various tribes and nations.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Sabta is traditionally associated with a region or people group in the ancient Near East. While the exact location and identity of the descendants of Sabta are not definitively known, some scholars suggest a connection to regions in the Arabian Peninsula or parts of Africa. The genealogies in Genesis and 1 Chronicles often serve to illustrate the geographical spread of Noah's descendants, and Sabta's inclusion indicates a significant lineage that contributed to the ancient world's ethnic and cultural landscape.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Sabta and his brothers in the genealogies underscores the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1). The genealogies demonstrate God's providence in the dispersion and establishment of nations, reflecting His sovereignty over human history.

The descendants of Cush, including Sabta, are part of the broader narrative of the nations that would eventually interact with the people of Israel. These genealogies set the stage for understanding the complex relationships between Israel and its neighbors, as well as the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history.

Cultural and Linguistic Considerations:

The name Sabta, like many ancient names, carries linguistic significance. While the exact meaning of the name is uncertain, it is consistent with the naming conventions of the time, often reflecting geographical, familial, or cultural attributes. The genealogical records, including the mention of Sabta, provide insight into the ancient world's cultural and familial structures, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage in biblical times.

In summary, Sabta, as a son of Cush, represents a link in the chain of humanity's expansion and diversification following the Flood. His mention in the biblical genealogies serves as a testament to the historical and theological themes that permeate the Scriptures, illustrating the interconnectedness of all peoples under the sovereign plan of God.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 10:7
And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:9
And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
5454. Sabta -- a son of Cush, also the territory settled by his ...
... Or Cabtah {sab-taw'}; probably of foreign derivation; Sabta or Sabtah, the name
of a son of Cush, and the country occupied by his posterity -- Sabta, Sabtah. ...
/hebrew/5454.htm - 6k
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