patronymic from שְׁבָא; a Shebaite or descendant of Sheba; Sabean.
Transliteration:Shᵉbâʼîy
Pronunciation:sheb-aw-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שְׁבָאִי (Shᵉbâʼîy), Strong's H7615, is a gentililic or patronymic noun derived from the proper noun שְׁבָא (Sheba, `{{H7614}}`). As a patronymic, it signifies "a Shebaite" or "a descendant of Sheba," identifying an individual or group as originating from the land or people of Sheba. The English translation often renders it as "Sabean." The core meaning thus denotes ethnic and geographical affiliation with the ancient kingdom or region known as Sheba, renowned for its wealth and strategic location in the ancient Near East, likely in the Arabian Peninsula. Its semantic range is narrow, primarily serving to identify the origin of a people group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שְׁבָאִי (Shᵉbâʼîy) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, specifically in the book of Job:
* [[Job 1:15]]: "And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee."
In this sole occurrence, the "Sabeans" are presented as a hostile, marauding force. They are depicted as a foreign tribe that launches a sudden, violent raid against Job's livestock and servants, resulting in significant loss and death. Their actions are swift and devastating, highlighting their capacity for aggression and their role as instruments of affliction in the narrative of Job's testing. This context paints a picture of a mobile, perhaps nomadic or semi-nomadic, group capable of large-scale plunder. The attack by the Sabeans, followed by the Chaldeans (another foreign raiding group), serves as the initial blow in the series of calamities that befall Job, orchestrated by Satan with God's permission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the proper noun שְׁבָא (Sheba, `{{H7614}}`), from which שְׁבָאִי (Shᵉbâʼîy) is derived. Sheba refers to:
* A grandson of Ham through Cush ([[Genesis 10:7]]).
* A son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem ([[Genesis 10:28]]).
* A son of Jokshan, a son of Abraham by Keturah ([[Genesis 25:3]]).
* Most notably, a prominent ancient kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula, famous for its wealth in gold, precious stones, and spices (e.g., [[1 Kings 10:1-10]], concerning the Queen of Sheba).
The Sabeans were strategically located on major trade routes, which contributed to their prosperity but also made them formidable, and at times, predatory, forces. The depiction in Job contrasts with other biblical references to Sheba (`{{H7614}}`) which often highlight their wealth and their future role in bringing tribute to God's kingdom (e.g., [[Psalm 72:10]], [[Isaiah 60:6]]). The "Sabeans" of Job, however, are presented not as merchants or tribute-bearers, but as ruthless raiders. This suggests either a different faction or a specific aspect of their character as a mobile, opportunistic people. Other related concepts include:
* **Raiding Tribes:** Like the Chaldeans (also mentioned in Job 1), the Sabeans represent the threat of external, predatory forces in the ancient world.
* **Divine Instruments:** Though acting out of their own volition, the Sabeans, like other agents of destruction in Job, unwittingly serve as instruments in God's permissive will.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of שְׁבָאִי (Shᵉbâʼîy) in [[Job 1:15]] carries significant theological weight within the book's overarching themes.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Evil:** The Sabeans, as agents of destruction, are not acting outside the boundaries of God's ultimate control. While morally culpable for their violent actions, they are permitted by God to inflict suffering upon Job, serving as instruments in Satan's test. This highlights the mysterious yet profound truth of God's sovereignty, even over human evil and suffering. He does not cause their wickedness but allows it to unfold within His larger, redemptive plan.
2. **The Nature of Affliction:** The Sabeans represent one form of suffering that befalls humanity: external, sudden, and violent attacks from hostile forces. Their raid underscores the vulnerability of human prosperity and the reality of a world where evil can manifest through human agency.
3. **Testing of Faith:** For Job, the loss caused by the Sabeans is the first wave of a profound test of his faith and integrity. Their actions, though seemingly random and cruel, are part of a divine drama designed to reveal the depth of Job's devotion and the nature of true righteousness—a righteousness that endures even in the absence of material blessings.
4. **Human Agency and Responsibility:** While serving a divine purpose, the Sabeans are not absolved of their responsibility for their violent acts. The narrative does not excuse their behavior but rather integrates it into a larger theological framework, emphasizing that God can use even the wicked actions of humans to achieve His righteous ends.
### Summary
The term שְׁבָאִי (Shᵉbâʼîy, `{{H7615}}`) is a patronymic meaning "a Shebaite" or "Sabean," denoting a descendant or inhabitant of the land of Sheba (שְׁבָא, `{{H7614}}`). Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 1:15]] portrays the Sabeans as a formidable and destructive raiding party, responsible for the initial calamity that befalls Job. Theologically, their role in Job's narrative is pivotal, serving as a stark illustration of God's mysterious sovereignty over human evil and affliction. Their violent actions, though morally reprehensible, are permitted by God as instruments in the testing of Job's unwavering faith, underscoring the reality of external threats and the profound depths of divine purpose even amidst suffering.
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