Tema is a biblical figure mentioned as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. His name appears in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. According to Genesis 25:13-15 , "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah."

As a descendant of Ishmael, Tema is part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation. In Genesis 17:20 , God declares, "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation."

The name "Tema" is also associated with a region or tribe in the Arabian Peninsula, which is believed to have been named after him. This area, often referred to as the land of Tema, is mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Isaiah 21:13-14 , the oracle concerning Arabia includes a reference to Tema: "This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites. Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food."

The mention of Tema in the context of providing aid to refugees suggests a location known for its hospitality and resources, possibly serving as a resting place for travelers and caravans crossing the desert. The association of Tema with the Arabian Peninsula aligns with the broader narrative of Ishmael's descendants settling in the region, fulfilling the divine promise of becoming a great nation.

In the Book of Job, Tema is mentioned in a poetic context, highlighting its geographical and cultural significance. Job 6:19 states, "The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it." This reference underscores the importance of Tema as a waypoint in the trade routes of the ancient Near East, where water and resources were vital for survival.

The legacy of Tema, both as a person and a place, reflects the broader themes of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham and his descendants. As one of the sons of Ishmael, Tema's lineage contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical history, illustrating the interconnectedness of the peoples and regions mentioned in Scripture.Genesis 25:15
Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:30
Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,
Nave's Topical Index

8485. Tema -- a son of Ishmael, also his desc. and the region ...
... Tema. Or Temao {tay-maw'}; probably of foreign derivation; Tema, a son of Ishmael,
and the region settled by him -- Tema. 8484, 8485. Tema. 8486 . ...
/hebrew/8485.htm - 6k

Chapter xxv
... in reference to this first-born son of Abraham ... twelve were actually direct descendants
of Ishmael, perhaps all ... "Tema" again seems to be four days' journey south ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ...
... It was this R. Ishmael who prevented his nephew Ben Dama ... propagate itself in the
body of M. the son of M ... curst, dashed, banned be Bar-Tit, Bar-Tema, Bar-Tena ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvi on the jewish.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... also pushed northwards and mingled with the descendants of Ishmael. ... the seer of Pethor,
Balaam the son of Beor. ... have been discovered at Teima, the Tema of the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Who are the descendants of Ishmael? | GotQuestions.org

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