Tayma

Tayma (tā'mä) [key], large oasis, SW Saudi Arabia. Cuneiform inscriptions possibly dating from the 6th cent. B.C. have been recovered from Tayma. In ancient Arabic tradition the oasis was noted as a prosperous Jewish colony, rich in water wells and handsome buildings. It is mentioned several times in the New Testament. The biblical eponym is apparently Tema, one of the sons of Ishmael.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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