Topical Bible: Commerce of the Arabians

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Topical Encyclopedia

The commerce of the Arabians in biblical times was a significant aspect of their culture and economy, playing a crucial role in the ancient Near Eastern trade networks. The Arabian Peninsula, with its strategic location, served as a bridge between the civilizations of the Near East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. This geographical advantage facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, making the Arabians prominent traders in the ancient world.

Geographical and Historical Context

The Arabian Peninsula is bordered by the Red Sea to the west, the Arabian Sea to the south, and the Persian Gulf to the east. This positioning allowed the Arabians to engage in both overland and maritime trade routes. The overland routes, often referred to as the Incense Route, connected the southern Arabian kingdoms, such as Sheba and Dedan, with the Levant and Mesopotamia. Maritime routes extended their reach to the Horn of Africa, India, and beyond.

Biblical References

The Bible makes several references to the commerce of the Arabians, highlighting their role as traders and merchants. In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes the wealth and trade of Tyre, mentioning the Arabians as trading partners: "Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats" (Ezekiel 27:21). This passage underscores the Arabians' involvement in the livestock trade, which was a vital component of their economy.

The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is another notable biblical account that illustrates the Arabian involvement in commerce. Sheba, likely located in present-day Yemen, was renowned for its wealth and trade in spices, gold, and precious stones. The Bible records, "And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such abundance of spices come in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10). This event highlights the exchange of luxury goods and the diplomatic relations fostered through trade.

Goods and Commodities

The Arabians were known for trading a variety of goods, including spices, incense, gold, precious stones, textiles, and livestock. Frankincense and myrrh, aromatic resins used in religious rituals and embalming, were among the most sought-after commodities. These were primarily produced in southern Arabia and transported along the Incense Route to markets in the Mediterranean and Near East.

Gold and precious stones were also significant trade items, often sourced from Africa and India and traded through Arabian intermediaries. The wealth generated from these commodities contributed to the prosperity of Arabian kingdoms and their ability to influence regional politics and culture.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The commerce of the Arabians had a profound impact on the cultures and economies of the ancient world. Through trade, the Arabians facilitated the exchange of not only goods but also ideas, technologies, and religious beliefs. This cultural diffusion contributed to the development of civilizations across the Near East and beyond.

Moreover, the wealth accumulated through trade enabled the Arabians to establish powerful kingdoms and cities, such as Petra and Palmyra, which became centers of commerce and culture. These cities served as hubs for traders and travelers, fostering a cosmopolitan environment that enriched the cultural tapestry of the region.

In summary, the commerce of the Arabians was a vital component of the ancient world's trade networks, influencing the economic and cultural landscapes of the time. Their strategic location and entrepreneurial spirit allowed them to become key players in the exchange of goods and ideas, leaving a lasting legacy in biblical history and beyond.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 60:6
The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.
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Jeremiah 6:20
To what purpose comes there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet to me.
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Ezekiel 27:21-24
Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with you in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they your merchants.
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Library

King Herod's Enrollment
... Education, luxury, commerce, imitation of western manners, dislike for the national
and ... He had made war on the Arabians; and Syllaeus, the Arabian minister ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 9 king herods enrollment.htm

Introduction.
... may probably have passed along the stream of commerce that flowed ... [4] Strabo, xvi,
enumerates amongst its inhabitants Egyptians, Arabians, and Phoenicians. ...
/.../burgon/the causes of the corruption of the traditional text/introduction.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... of Babylonia in western Asia was to be restored, and the commerce of the ... at Eltekeh,
and there the combined forces of the Egyptians and Arabians were defeated ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

A Sketch of the Life of St. Augustin.
... seventh century the old city was utterly destroyed by the Arabians, but two ... of
Constantine, has a public garden, several schools, considerable commerce, and a ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii a sketch of the.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... so to speak, in the middle, while the Bretes and Arabians' would typically ... And it
was trade and commerce which procured to the Babylonians their wealth and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

Book 1.
... truth of their affairs was this, that they had not any commerce together; but ... these
is compounded Hycsos: but some say that these people were Arabians." Now in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Mystery
... mode of speaking by synecdoche, by which, from the interdiction of commerce with
others ... that most wicked man abominated, like his teachers the Arabians, (that is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Chapter xlix
... The products of this commerce shall be transmitted through Zebulon to the ... bands of
roving marauders from the desert"Midianites and Ammonites and Arabians. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Book iv. The Earlier Books of this Treatise, Written Some Time Ago ...
... which is taught by the Evangelists and Apostles, and that no commerce is possible ...
Kings of Tharsis shall offer presents, the Kings of the Arabians and Sabeans ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book iv the earlier books.htm