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.
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.
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.
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.
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