A nation possibly to be identified with Tabal, located in vicinity of the Black Sea; considered descendants of Japheth through his son Tubal.
About Tubal
Fifth of the listed sons of Japheth in the table of nations (Gn 10:2; 1 Chr 1:5). Tubal later gained significance in the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Ezekiel as one of the nations that would be judged for threatening God’s people (Is 66:19; Ez 27:13; 32:26; 38:2–3; 39:1). Tubal is typically mentioned with Javan and Meshech as either nations of the north or nations of the coastlands (Is 66:19; Ez 38:2). The fact that Tubal traded with Tyre (Ez 27:13) supports the premise that Tubal was located in a coastland region. Beyond this sketchy evidence, it is difficult to determine Tubal’s precise ethnic identification or location. It has been identified with the Scythians, the Iberians, the region between the Black and the Caspian Seas, Thessaly, and various Hittite tribes.
Key References
I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.
“Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him
All Scripture References (5)
Isaiah (1)
I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.
Ezekiel (4)
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise.
“Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him
and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
“As for you, O son of man, prophesy against Gog and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.