Topical Encyclopedia
Sibmah, also referred to as Shebam or Shibmah in some biblical texts, is a town of historical and theological significance mentioned in the Old Testament. It is located in the territory east of the Jordan River, within the region traditionally associated with the tribe of Reuben. The town is noted for its fertile vineyards, which were renowned in the ancient Near East.
Biblical References:1.
Numbers 32:3, 38 : Sibmah is first mentioned in the context of the settlement of the tribes of Reuben and Gad. These tribes requested to settle in the lands of Jazer and Gilead, which included Sibmah, due to their suitability for livestock. "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sibmah, Nebo, and Beon" (
Numbers 32:3) are listed among the cities they desired. Later, the text notes, "And the sons of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, Nebo, Baal-meon (with a change of name), and Sibmah" (
Numbers 32:38).
2.
Joshua 13:19 : The town is again mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Reuben. "Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley" (
Joshua 13:19) are part of the inheritance described.
3.
Isaiah 16:8-9 : The prophet Isaiah laments the destruction of Moab, highlighting the devastation of Sibmah's vineyards. "For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots spread out and reached the sea. So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh, for the shouts of joy over your summer fruit and your harvest have fallen silent" (
Isaiah 16:8-9). This passage underscores the town's agricultural prosperity and the impact of its loss.
4.
Jeremiah 48:32 : Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah mourns for Sibmah in his oracle against Moab. "I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your branches have spread to the sea; they have reached to the sea of Jazer. The destroyer has fallen on your summer fruit and grape harvest" (
Jeremiah 48:32). This lamentation reflects the town's significance in the region's economy and the sorrow over its downfall.
Historical and Theological Significance:Sibmah's vineyards were a symbol of prosperity and abundance, often used by the prophets to illustrate the consequences of divine judgment. The town's repeated mention in the context of Moab's destruction highlights the broader theme of God's sovereignty and justice. The lamentations over Sibmah's vineyards serve as a poignant reminder of the transitory nature of earthly wealth and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Theologically, Sibmah's narrative is intertwined with the history of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land and the subsequent interactions with neighboring nations. The town's inclusion in the tribal allotments underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, while its later destruction serves as a testament to the consequences of turning away from divine commandments.
In summary, Sibmah stands as a testament to the blessings of God upon His people and the importance of obedience to His will, as well as a symbol of the fleeting nature of worldly prosperity in the face of divine judgment.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Sibmahconversion; captivity
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sibmah[SHEBAM]
ATS Bible Dictionary
SibmahA city of Reuben,Numbers 32:28;Joshua 13:19;Isaiah 16:8,9, speaks of the vines of Sibmah, which were cut down by the enemies of the Moabites; for that people had taken the city of Sibmah,Jeremiah 48:32, and other cities of Reuben, after this tribe had been carried into captivity by Tiglath-pileser,2 Kings 15:29;1 Chronicles 5:26. Jerome says that between Hesbon and Sibmah there was hardly the distance of five hundred paces.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Coolness; fragrance, a town in Reuben, in the territory of Moab, on the east of Jordan (
Joshua 13:19); called also Shebam and Shibmah (
Numbers 32:3, 38). It was famous for its vines (
Isaiah 16:9;
Jeremiah 48:32). It has been identified with the ruin of Sumieh, where there are rock-cut wine-presses. This fact explains the words of the prophets referred to above. It was about 5 miles east of Heshbon.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SIBMAHsib'-ma.
SeeSEBAM.
Strong's Hebrew
7643. Sebam -- a place in Moab... 7642b, 7643. Sebam. 7644 . a place in Moab. Transliteration: Sebam Phonetic
Spelling: (seb-awm') Short Definition:
Sibmah.
... Shebam, Shibmah,
Sibmah.
...Library
CHAPTER III.
... altogether does he howl, for the cakes of Kirhareseth you do sigh, wholly afflicted;
for the vineyards of Heshbon are withered, the vine ofSibmah, the grapes...
And ii.
... so much the more, that in Isaiah 16:9-11"where a similar lamentation for Moab occurs:
"Therefore do I bewail as for Jazer for the vine ofSibmah; I water...
Thesaurus
Sibmah (5 Occurrences)... It was about 5 miles east of Heshbon. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SIBMAH.
sib'-ma. See SEBAM. Multi-Version Concordance
Sibmah (5 Occurrences).
...Jaazer (12 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, the vine ofSibmah; the lords of
the nations have broken down its choice plants: they reached unto Jaazer, they...
Jazer (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish with the vine ofSibmah.... Isaiah
16:9 Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine ofSibmah....
Vines (39 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon are waste, the vine ofSibmah is dead; the
lords of nations were overcome by the produce of her vines; her vine-plants...
Zereth-shahar (1 Occurrence)
... kai Seion, Codex Alexandrinus Sarth kai Sior): A town in the territory of Reuben,
"in the mount of the valley," named with Kiriathaim andSibmah (Joshua 13:19...
Zerethshahar (1 Occurrence)
... kai Seion, Codex Alexandrinus Sarth kai Sior): A town in the territory of Reuben,
"in the mount of the valley," named with Kiriathaim andSibmah (Joshua 13:19...
Kiriathaim (7 Occurrences)
... 32:37 Joshua 13:19). It is named along with Elealeh and Nebo in the former
passage, and withSibmah in the latter. It was in the...
Weeps (7 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine ofSibmah;
I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh; for upon thy...
Tendrils (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon are waste, the vine ofSibmah is dead; the
lords of nations were overcome by the produce of her vines; her vine-plants...
Ripened (8 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:9 For this cause my sorrow for the vine ofSibmah will be like the weeping
for Jazer: my eyes are dropping water on you, O Heshbon and Elealeh!...
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