Interesting Facts

• Tema is recorded as one of the eight sons born to Ishmael by his wife Malchuth.
• The sons of Tema are listed as Seir, Sadon, and Yakol.
• Tema is identified as one of the sons of Ishmael who became twelve princes according to their nations.

Genealogy

• Tema was a son of Ishmael.
• Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid.
• Tema’s mother was Malchuth, Ishmael’s wife from the land of Canaan.
• His brothers, according to the sources, were Nishma, Dumah, Masa, Chadad, Yetur, Naphish, and Kedma.
• Tema had three sons: Seir, Sadon, and Yakol. These are noted as the children of Malchuth, the wife of Ishmael, according to their families.

Historical Context

The mention of Tema arises within the context of the unfolding narrative concerning the descendants of Ishmael, who was blessed by God to become a great nation. This lineage is presented as distinct from that of Isaac, through whom Abraham’s covenantal promises were primarily channeled. The cultural emphasis on the patriarchal structure is evident in the meticulous listing of Ishmael’s sons, including Tema, and their subsequent familial lines. The designation of these sons as twelve princes reflects a tribal organization where leadership and territorial divisions were often based on familial descent. Ishmael and his offspring, including Tema, are described as dwelling in the east, signifying a geographical separation from Abraham and Isaac who, for a significant period, resided in Canaan and the surrounding regions. This geographical distinction likely influenced the development of their own distinct cultural and societal norms over time.

Narrative

Tema’s role in the narrative of the ancient texts is primarily genealogical. He appears as one of the sons born to Ishmael by his wife Malchuth, thus establishing him as a foundational figure within the Ishmaelite lineage. Alongside his brothers, Tema is identified as one of the twelve princes who descended from Ishmael, a detail that underscores the fulfillment of the divine promise to make Ishmael a great nation through his progeny. The text further records the names of Tema’s sons, Seir, Sadon, and Yakol, highlighting the continuation and expansion of his familial line. The provided sources do not attribute any specific actions, dialogues, or personal events directly to Tema. His significance lies in his inclusion within the ancestral records, contributing to the broader narrative of Abraham’s extended family and the diversification of his descendants. Therefore, Tema serves as a key link in the genealogical chain that traces the origins and early development of the Ishmaelite peoples, as documented within these ancient writings.