Ethiopia plays a unique and powerful role throughout the Bible. It’s not only a land rich in culture and history, but also a place that God used in surprising ways. The country, known as Cush in many parts of Scripture, is a symbol of both judgment and hope.
Here are 10 fascinating facts about Ethiopia in the Bible, complete with verse references and full Scripture text where relevant.
1. Ethiopia Was a Son of Ham
Ethiopia is often called Cush in the Bible, which comes from the name of one of Ham’s sons.
Genesis 10:6 (KJV)
“And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.”
The Cushites settled in the region south of Egypt, where modern-day Ethiopia is located.
2. Ethiopia Was Known for Its Strength and Wealth
Ethiopia was seen as a powerful and rich nation, respected by other kingdoms.
Isaiah 18:1–2 (KJV)
“Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia… a nation scattered and peeled… whose land the rivers have spoiled!”
3. Ethiopians Served in Foreign Armies
Cushite soldiers were known for their strength and often hired by other nations.
2 Chronicles 12:3 (KJV)
“With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.”
4. A Powerful Ethiopian Army Was Defeated by God
King Asa of Judah faced a massive Ethiopian army led by Zerah but trusted in the Lord.
2 Chronicles 14:9,11–12 (KJV)
“And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots… So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa.”
5. Moses Married a Cushite Woman
Moses’ wife was from the land of Cush (Ethiopia), which caused tension even among his family.
Numbers 12:1 (KJV)
“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”
6. Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian Rescued Jeremiah
A brave Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-Melech saved the prophet Jeremiah from death.
Jeremiah 38:10–13 (KJV)
“So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury… and drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon.”
God later blessed Ebed-Melech for his faith and courage (Jeremiah 39:15–18).
7. Ethiopia Will Submit to God in Prophecy
Ethiopia is included in several prophecies about nations coming to worship the Lord.
Psalm 68:31 (KJV)
“Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”
8. The Queen of Sheba May Have Been Ethiopian
While debated, many believe the Queen of Sheba came from Ethiopia or a region near it.
1 Kings 10:1–2 (KJV)
“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon… she came to prove him with hard questions.”
9. An Ethiopian Was Among the First Converts in Acts
The Ethiopian eunuch was one of the first Gentiles to accept Jesus.
Acts 8:27, 35–38 (KJV)
“A man of Ethiopia… had come to Jerusalem for to worship… Then Philip opened his mouth… and preached unto him Jesus… and he baptized him.”
10. Ethiopia Will Bring Gifts to the Lord
The prophets foresaw a time when Ethiopia would bring gifts to Zion and honor God.
Isaiah 18:7 (KJV)
“In that time shall the present be brought unto the Lord of hosts… to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion.”
Summary Table
| Fact | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|
| Descended from Cush | Genesis 10:6 |
| Known for strength and wealth | Isaiah 18:1–2 |
| Ethiopians in armies | 2 Chronicles 12:3 |
| God defeated Zerah’s army | 2 Chronicles 14:9–12 |
| Moses married a Cushite | Numbers 12:1 |
| Ebed-Melech saved Jeremiah | Jeremiah 38:10–13, 39:15–18 |
| Will worship God in prophecy | Psalm 68:31 |
| Queen of Sheba linked to Ethiopia | 1 Kings 10:1–2 |
| Ethiopian eunuch baptized | Acts 8:27–38 |
| Ethiopia brings gifts to the Lord | Isaiah 18:7 |
