Overview
Tema was a son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:15; 1 Chronicles 1:30) and became the progenitor of an Arabian people group. The region of Tema was known as a stopping point along important trade routes in the Arabian desert, where merchants and travelers would rest and trade goods.
Key Scriptures
"And Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah" (Genesis 25:15, ESV)—listing Tema among Ishmael's sons.
"The troops of Tema looked, the travelers of Sheba hoped for them" (Job 6:19, ESV)—describing Tema's location as a waystation for desert caravans.
"To the inhabitants of the land of Tema bring water" (Isaiah 21:14, ESV)—portraying Tema as a desert region where thirsty travelers sought refreshment.
Application
Tema reminds us that God's providence extends to all nations and peoples, even those living in remote places, and that biblical history encompasses the full scope of ancient Near Eastern geography and peoples.