### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H7614}}`, *Shᵉbâʼ* (שְׁבָא), functions as a proper noun, primarily identifying a geographical region and the people associated with it. The base definition indicates its "foreign origin," suggesting an adoption into the Hebrew lexicon rather than an indigenous root. Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Genealogical Progenitors:** The name is attributed to three distinct individuals who served as early progenitors of tribes:
* A son of Raamah, son of Cush (Hamitic line).
* A son of Joktan (Semitic line, descendant of Eber).
* A son of Jokshan, son of Abraham by Keturah (Abrahamic line, associated with Arabian tribes).
2. **Geographical/Political Entity:** Most notably, it refers to an ancient kingdom, generally located in South Arabia (modern Yemen/Ethiopia region), renowned for its immense wealth, particularly in gold, spices, and precious stones.
3. **The People:** The term also denotes the inhabitants of this region, the Sabeans, who were known as powerful traders and, at times, raiders.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7614}}` in the Hebrew Bible reveal its multifaceted significance:
* **Genealogical References:**
* [[Genesis 10:7]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:9]] list Sheba as a son of Raamah, a descendant of Cush, placing this branch among the Hamitic peoples, often associated with regions south of Egypt.
* [[Genesis 10:28]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:22]] mention Sheba as a son of Joktan, a descendant of Eber, linking this Sheba to the broader Semitic family and Arabian tribes.
* [[Genesis 25:3]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:32]] identify Sheba as a son of Jokshan, Abraham's son by Keturah, further connecting a "Sheba" to the Arabian peninsula and Abraham's extended family. The presence of multiple Shebas in different genealogies may point to various tribal groups adopting the name or to ancient geographical and trade connections.
* **The Kingdom of Sheba and the Sabeans:**
* The most prominent biblical narrative involving Sheba is the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon ([[1 Kings 10:1-13]]; [[2 Chronicles 9:1-12]]). This account highlights Sheba's extraordinary wealth (gold, spices, precious stones), its reputation for wisdom, and its eagerness to test Solomon's renowned sagacity. The Queen's journey from "the ends of the earth" underscores the kingdom's distant yet significant standing.
* In the book of Job, the "Sabeans" are depicted as raiders who plunder Job's oxen and donkeys and kill his servants ([[Job 1:15]]), indicating their military prowess and capacity for aggression.
* Prophetic literature frequently references Sheba in connection with valuable commodities and distant lands. [[Psalm 72:10]] speaks of kings of Sheba and Seba bringing gifts, symbolizing universal homage to the messianic king. [[Isaiah 60:6]] envisions "all those from Sheba" bringing gold and frankincense as part of a future ingathering of nations to Zion. [[Jeremiah 6:20]] mentions "frankincense from Sheba" and "sweet cane from a distant land" in the context of unacceptable sacrifices. [[Ezekiel 27:22-23]] lists Sheba and Raamah among Tyre's trading partners, emphasizing their role in global commerce.
* [[Ezekiel 38:13]] mentions Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish questioning Gog's invasion, further solidifying Sheba's image as a powerful commercial entity concerned with regional stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H7615}}` (Shᵉbâʼîm):** This is the plural form, explicitly referring to the "Sabeans" as a people group, as seen in [[Job 1:15]].
* **`{{H7618}}` (Shᵉbâʼ):** Another proper noun, possibly a variant spelling or a distinct individual/place, though often conflated with `{{H7614}}` due to identical transliteration. Context is key for differentiation.
* **Trade Routes:** Sheba is intrinsically linked to the ancient spice, incense, and gold trade routes that traversed the Arabian Peninsula, connecting it to the Near East, Egypt, and beyond. This economic backbone was fundamental to its power and influence.
* **Wealth and Luxury:** The consistent association with gold, frankincense, spices, and precious stones highlights Sheba's reputation as a land of opulence.
* **Wisdom and Knowledge:** The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon was primarily motivated by a desire to test and acquire wisdom, underscoring this aspect of her kingdom's reputation.
* **Distant Lands:** Sheba is often mentioned alongside other remote yet significant regions (e.g., Tarshish, Seba), signifying its far-reaching influence and the extent of God's dominion.
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of Sheba carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Glory:** The visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon vividly demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to draw even distant, powerful rulers to acknowledge His wisdom and blessing upon His chosen king and people. Her declaration, "Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel!" ([[1 Kings 10:9]]), is a remarkable testimony from a foreign monarch, underscoring that God's glory is recognized even by those outside the covenant.
* **Prophetic Foreshadowing of Gentile Inclusion:** The prophecies concerning Sheba bringing gifts and worship to Jerusalem ([[Psalm 72:10]]; [[Isaiah 60:6]]) serve as powerful foreshadowings of the future eschatological age. They envision a time when Gentile nations, including those from distant and wealthy lands, will willingly come to acknowledge and worship the God of Israel, bringing their treasures as an offering. This anticipates the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of all peoples in the kingdom of God.
* **A Standard for Judgment:** Jesus Himself references the Queen of Sheba, calling her "the Queen of the South," and states that she will rise up at the judgment with His generation and condemn it. His reasoning is profound: "for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here" ([[Matthew 12:42]]; [[Luke 11:31]]). This elevates the Queen of Sheba to a theological archetype, highlighting the spiritual blindness and greater culpability of those who reject Christ, who embodies wisdom far surpassing Solomon's, despite having Him present among them.
* **The Permissiveness of Evil:** The Sabeans' raid on Job's possessions ([[Job 1:15]]) illustrates the reality of suffering and evil in a fallen world, which God permits for His sovereign purposes, even from seemingly distant and unrelated entities.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma `{{H7614}}`, *Shᵉbâʼ*, is a rich and multifaceted proper noun in the biblical text. It designates not only various tribal progenitors but, most notably, a powerful and wealthy ancient kingdom in South Arabia, known for its extensive trade in gold, spices, and precious stones, and its inhabitants, the Sabeans. The most iconic biblical narrative involves the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, a pivotal event that underscores themes of divine wisdom, material wealth, and the recognition of God's blessing upon Israel by foreign nations. Prophetic visions further extend Sheba's significance, portraying it as a representative of distant Gentile peoples who will ultimately bring tribute and worship to the Lord, foreshadowing the universal scope of God's kingdom. Ultimately, Jesus' use of the Queen of Sheba as an example in His teachings serves as a powerful reminder of the human responsibility to seek and embrace divine wisdom, even when it comes in unexpected forms.
TRV