### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shᵉbâʼîy**, represented by `{{H7615}}`, is a patronymic term for a **Sabean**, identifying a descendant of Sheba. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole usage occurs within a prophetic oracle, designating a specific people group involved in a divine act of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7615}}` is in a proclamation of divine judgment from the LORD `{{H3068}}`. In this context, God declares that He will sell `{{H4376}}` the sons and daughters of those who oppressed Judah `{{H3063}}` into Judah's hand `{{H3027}}`. The people of Judah will then sell them to the **Sabeans**, who are described as "a people `{{H1471}}` far off `{{H7350}}`," a transaction confirmed with the words "for the LORD hath spoken `{{H1696}}` it" [[Joel 3:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify its meaning and significance:
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar** (to sell): This verb is central to the action involving the Sabeans, signifying a transfer or surrender. It is used when the LORD delivers His enemies and when Judah, in turn, sells them [[Joel 3:8]]. The same word describes Joseph's brothers who sold him into slavery [[Genesis 37:28]].
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (people): This word, defined as a foreign nation or Gentile, is used to classify the Sabeans. It establishes them as a distinct, non-Israelite group, as when God promises to make of Abraham a great nation [[Genesis 12:2]].
* `{{H7350}}` **râchôwq** (far off): This adjective emphasizes the remoteness of the Sabeans, highlighting the extent of the judgment. The word can be used for both physical and temporal distance, as when the LORD is described as appearing "of old" [[Jeremiah 31:3]].
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): The people of Judah are the intermediaries in this divine transaction, receiving their enemies from the LORD and selling them to the Sabeans [[Joel 3:8]]. The name is foundational to Israel's identity and Messianic prophecy [[Genesis 49:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7615}}` is derived entirely from its role in this specific prophecy.
* **Divine Judgment:** The Sabeans are the final destination for the enemies of God's people in an act of retributive justice. The selling of sons `{{H1121}}` and daughters `{{H1323}}` is a direct reversal of the wrongs committed against Judah, demonstrating God's sovereign power to execute judgment.
* **Instrument of God's Will:** Though a "people far off" `{{H7350}}`, the Sabeans serve as an instrument in fulfilling God's declared purpose. This illustrates that the LORD's plan can involve any nation `{{H1471}}`, near or far, to accomplish His will.
* **Sovereign Proclamation:** The entire event is framed by the declaration, "for the LORD `{{H3068}}` hath spoken `{{H1696}}` it" [[Joel 3:8]]. This confirms that the transaction involving the Sabeans is not a mere political event but a direct consequence of a divine decree, as certain as God's promise to not forsake His people [[Genesis 28:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7615}}` is a highly specific term identifying the Sabean people. Though it appears only once, its context in [[Joel 3:8]] gives it significant weight. It functions within a prophecy of judgment to illustrate the scope of God's sovereign power, His use of foreign nations to fulfill His plans, and the certainty of His spoken word. The mention of the Sabeans underscores the finality and far-reaching nature of divine justice.
TRV