Topical Encyclopedia The Nabathites, often referred to as the Nabataeans, were an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the region of northern Arabia and the southern Levant. They are most famously associated with the city of Petra, located in present-day Jordan, which served as their capital and a major center of trade and culture.Historical Background The Nabathites are believed to have emerged as a distinct group around the 4th century BC. They were originally nomadic, but over time they established a settled civilization that became known for its advanced architecture, agriculture, and trade networks. The Nabathites controlled key trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, incense, and textiles between Arabia, the Mediterranean, and the Near East. Biblical References While the Nabathites are not explicitly mentioned by name in the Bible, they are often associated with the descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. The Bible provides insight into the broader context of the peoples and regions surrounding Israel, which would have included the Nabathites. In Genesis 25:13-16 , the descendants of Ishmael are listed, and it is believed that the Nabathites may have been among these tribes: "These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were the sons of Ishmael, and these were their names by their villages and encampments—twelve princes of their tribes." The Nabathites are also linked to the region of Edom, which is mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. The prophet Obadiah speaks against Edom, a region closely associated with the Nabathites, in Obadiah 1:1-4 : "This is the vision of Obadiah: This is what the Lord GOD says about Edom—We have heard a message from the LORD, and an envoy has been sent among the nations to say, 'Rise up, and let us go to war against her!' Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you will be deeply despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD." Cultural and Religious Influence The Nabathites were known for their syncretic religious practices, which combined elements of Arab, Greek, and Roman traditions. They worshiped a pantheon of deities, with Dushara being one of the most prominent gods. The influence of Hellenistic culture is evident in their art and architecture, particularly in the city of Petra, which features rock-cut tombs and temples with elaborate facades. Legacy The Nabathites' legacy is most visibly preserved in the archaeological remains of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their ability to adapt to the harsh desert environment and their skill in managing water resources through the construction of dams, cisterns, and aqueducts are testaments to their ingenuity. The Nabathites eventually came under Roman control in AD 106, when their kingdom was annexed by the Roman Empire and became the province of Arabia Petraea. The Nabathites played a significant role in the history of the Near East, serving as a bridge between various cultures and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas across the ancient world. Their contributions to trade, architecture, and cultural exchange continue to be studied and admired today. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NABATHITESnab'-a-thits: the King James Version equals the Revised Version (British and American) "Nabathaeans." Thesaurus Nabathites... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NABATHITES. nab'-a-thits: the King James Version equals the Revised Version (British and American) "Nabathaeans.". ... /n/nabathites.htm - 6k Nabathaeans Naboth (18 Occurrences) Nabataeans Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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