Bible Dictionaries
Seba, Sabeans

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ssee' buh, ssa bee' anss) A group of people thought to be akin to the Israelites through either Ham (Genesis 10:6-7 ) or Shem (Genesis 10:28 ). They settled southwest Arabia (modern Yemen) and became prosperous traders. One of the major caravan routes was in their control. They dealt mainly in rich spices, gold, and precious stones. The Sabeans also were agrarian, developing elaborate irrigation devices to make their region more fertile.

The queen of Saba (Sheba) traveled to Jerusalem (about 1,500 miles) during Solomon's reign to strike trade agreements with the thriving Israelites (1 Kings 10:1-10 ). The Sabeans are credited with domesticating the camel so that such journeys could be made. Matthew 12:42 promises the “Queen of the South” will condemn the people of Jesus' day in final judgment, indicating she had more faith than they. Some have tried to identify her homeland as Ethiopia. See Sabean .