1. One of the 12 sons of Ishmael.
2. An oasis identified with the famous oasis of Teima in northern Arabia, 250 miles (400 km) southeast of Elath. In ancient times, Tema was the main caravan halt on the route from south Arabia to the countries of the Fertile Crescent. From Tema one route led to Duma, and from there to Babylon, while a second route led by way of Tabuk or Bayir to the countries on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. These routes were used for conveying precious Arabian commodities, such as spices, gold and precious stones. In the Bible these corteges are called "caravans from Tema", or "travelers of Sheba" (Job 6:19).
The ruins of Tema consist of a wall many miles long, surrounding the oasis. Tema itself has not yet been excavated, but inscriptions written in an Arabian script now identified as "Taymanite", have been discovered nearby. Dated to the 6th century B.C. they are the earliest inscriptions found in this region.
Tema surrendered to the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III and paid a very heavy tribute of gold, silver and spices. King Nabonidus of Babylon (556-539 B.C.) abandoned his country and lived in Tema for some ten years, rebuilding and repopulating it.
Concordance
TEMA 1:
Gen 25:15. I Chr 1:30
TEMA 2:
Job 6:19. Is 21:14. Jer 25:23
