Written by J.C.
In this study, I will share about the Hebrew word Teman (תֵּימָן) which is one of the keys to unlocking the prophetic significance of the modern-day country of Jordan. This word is found in the Hebrew Scriptures and is the Hebrew name of the Ark constellation.
The word Teman is Strong’s H 8486-8487. Teman is often translated into English Bibles as a directional word, translating south. This is an okay translation, but other words are translated south too. It is important to understand that Teman is also a particular region. It is a region in ancient Edom—existing in today’s southern area of Jordan. If we see the word ‘south’ in the Bible, it’s good to look up the word in Strong’s. If it is teman, the passage may be referring to the southern area of Jordan.
Isaiah 43:5-7 “Do not fear, for I am with you. I shall bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west. I shall say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south (Teman), ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth – all those who are called by My Name, whom I have created, formed, even made for My esteem.”
The context of this passage is YHWH gathering His people out of the nations. He is going to gather them from the East and West. YHWH tells the North to give up the people, and to the South, “Do not hold them back.” This may mean that the ‘south’ is not supposed to withhold the people from coming to this gathering place. Since the word translated south in Isa. 43:6 is teman, one plausible interpretation of this prophecy is that YHWH will speak to the region of Teman (which is in Edom), and tell them not to hold His people back from gathering in this location. The southern area of Jordan being a gathering place for YHWH’s people at the End of Days is in line with other prophetic Scriptures.
The Hebrew name of the Ark constellation is Chederi Teman (תֵּימָן חֶדֶרי). The word cheder means within, room, chamber, or innermost part. Cheder often has to do with the bridal chambers. As I said, Teman is the southern area of Jordan. Together the phrase means the ‘bridal chambers of the South’ or ‘rooms of the South.’
When speaking of the stars and constellations, Job mentions this constellation by name.
Job 9:9 Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers (cheder) of the south (Teman). KJV
The Ark constellation is in the southern view of the sky. From a biblical perspective, the southern level in the sky represents She’ol, which is the grave. The Ark rotates 360 degrees around the South Pole in the sky. The Ark is constantly swirling. The Ark constellation is swirling in despair on the She’ol level representing a near-death experience.
Of course, most of us would think about the story of the worldwide Flood and Noah’s Ark if we consider this constellation. Indeed, Noah built an Ark to save his household and some animals from worldwide destruction. The flood waters came and were very mighty on the earth. It tossed the Ark and violently killed the creatures outside. The Ark circles to illustrate the turbulence of the flood waters. Several other animal constellations are located in the sky near the Ark. These represent the dying creatures that did not make it into the Ark (Genesis 7:18-24).
Truly, our Creator made the stars in a particular way to tell a complete story. The constellation is not only telling of Noah’s ark. It also foretells the future destruction of the world, when the Chambers of the South (or Inner Rooms of Teman) will be the means of salvation for those who take refuge in this secret place. Another of our articles, As in the Days of Noah, explains that before Yahushua’s Return, there is a future ‘ark’ that will be used to save people.
This future ark is what Job is referring to when he spoke of the ‘chambers of the south.’
Psalm 107 speaks about the time of tribulation on the Earth. It is prophetic and describes a gathering where people will come from the four directions of the Earth.
Psalm 107:2-3 Let the redeemed of יהוה say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary, And gathered out of the lands, From east and from west, From north and from south.
The Psalm mentions that the people who escape destruction go to the sea in ships.
Psalm 107:23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, Doing work in many waters.
This voyage at sea will be very difficult for those aboard.
Psalm 107:25-26 For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They go up to the heavens, They go down to the depths; Their being is melted because of evil.
Remember the Ark constellation swirls around. It points up to the heavens level of the sky and then turns back down pointing to the She’ol level. This represents the rough trip at sea.
The people on the ships are at wit’s end. They call to YHWH for fear of their lives. YHWH answers them. He calms the waters. He brings them into the ‘heaven of their delight.’
Psalm 107:29-30 He caused the storm to be still, So that its waves were silent. And they rejoice because they are hushed; and He leads them to the haven of their delight.
One of our teachings is Aqaba Harbor- Past, Present, and Future. This article discusses the Aqaba Harbor mentioned in the Bible. The harbor is located on the tip of the Red Sea and is Jordan’s only ship port. This natural harbor is arguably the safest in the world! The ‘haven of their delight’ in Psalm 107 is likely the Aqaba Harbor. This is where the ships in Psalm 107 may arrive and the entrance point of the chambers of the south—Teman!
When you stop to study this matter beneath the surface, YHWH shows the significance of the southern area of Jordan. I rejoice in how YHWH has revealed His Word in the Scriptures as well as the stars!
For further study on these topics, please see…
