or (feminine) שִׂבְמָה; probably from בָּשָׂם; spice; Sebam or Sibmah, a place in Moab; Shebam, Shibmah, Sibmah.
Transliteration:Sᵉbâm
Pronunciation:seb-awm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שְׂבָם (Sᵉbâm), Strong's number `{{H7643}}`, appears in two forms: the masculine שְׂבָם and the feminine שִׂבְמָה (Sibmah). Its base definition points to a connection with "spice," being "probably from בָּשָׂם" (basam), which is `{{H1314}}`, meaning "balsam," "spice," or "fragrant." This etymological root strongly suggests a place renowned for its valuable and aromatic produce. As a geographical designation, Sebam or Sibmah refers to a specific location within the territory of Moab, later allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The semantic range, therefore, extends from the literal meaning of a fragrant substance to a place identified with such agricultural richness, particularly noted for its vineyards in prophetic literature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Sebam/Sibmah appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to the same geographical location in Transjordan:
* **[[Numbers 32:3]]**: Here, Sebam is mentioned among the fertile lands east of the Jordan River that the tribes of Reuben and Gad request for their livestock, noting its suitability as "a land for livestock." This initial mention establishes its character as a desirable, productive region.
* **[[Joshua 13:19]]**: Sibmah is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Reuben, along with Kiriathaim and Zereth-shahar. This places it definitively within the tribal inheritance, confirming its geographical and political significance in the early Israelite settlement.
* **[[Isaiah 16:8]]**: In a lament over Moab, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the "vines of Sibmah" and the "choice vines of Heshbon," whose "tendrils reached to Jazer and wandered over the desert." This passage vividly portrays Sibmah as a region famous for its luxuriant and widespread vineyards, symbolizing Moab's agricultural prosperity. The subsequent verse, [[Isaiah 16:9]], describes the "shouts of joy" over the harvest being silenced due to divine judgment, indicating the impending destruction of this very prosperity.
* **[[Jeremiah 48:32]]**: Echoing Isaiah's lament, Jeremiah also bewails the "vine of Sibmah," referring to it as a source of great pride for Moab, whose "tendrils passed over the sea, reaching to Jazer." This reinforces Sibmah's reputation for exceptional viticulture and underscores the depth of Moab's loss when this source of pride and sustenance is cut off by judgment.
Across these occurrences, Sibmah consistently emerges as a highly fertile region, particularly celebrated for its vineyards. Its prominence in prophetic laments highlights its role as a symbol of Moab's earthly prosperity, which is ultimately subject to divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the etymological root `{{H1314}}` (בָּשָׂם, basam), which denotes "spice" or "fragrance." This connection suggests that Sibmah was not merely fertile but produced valuable, perhaps aromatic, crops, though the prophetic texts specifically emphasize grapes and wine.
Geographically, Sibmah is often mentioned alongside other Transjordanian cities and regions known for their fertility, such as Heshbon, Elealeh, and Jazer. These places collectively represent the agricultural heartland of Moab, a land coveted for its rich pastures and vineyards. The concept of "vine" (גֶּפֶן, gephen, `{{H1612}}`) is central to understanding Sibmah's significance, as its "choice vines" become a potent metaphor for the nation's well-being and pride.
The prophetic contexts also link Sibmah to concepts of divine judgment and the transience of earthly prosperity. Its fall signifies the broader downfall of Moab, a nation often depicted as arrogant and idolatrous. Thus, Sibmah's destruction is intertwined with themes of divine sovereignty over nations and the consequences of sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Sibmah lies primarily in its symbolic representation within prophetic literature. As a place renowned for its abundant and "choice vines," it embodies earthly prosperity and the fruitfulness of the land, which can be seen as a blessing from God. However, in the context of the prophecies against Moab, Sibmah's impending destruction serves as a powerful illustration of divine judgment.
The "vine of Sibmah" becomes a metaphor for Moab's pride, wealth, and self-reliance, which are ultimately shown to be fragile and subject to God's sovereign will. The lament over its withered vines and silenced harvest signifies the removal of divine favor and the consequences of a nation's turning away from the Lord. This underscores the theological principle that all earthly blessings are contingent upon God's grace and that human pride, even when rooted in material abundance, will be brought low.
Furthermore, the destruction of Sibmah's vineyards speaks to the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, affecting not only the people but also the very source of their sustenance and joy. It serves as a stark reminder that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer, and that reliance on created things rather than the Creator leads to desolation.
### Summary
Sibmah (שְׂבָם, `{{H7643}}`), a place name derived from the Hebrew word for "spice," was a highly fertile region in Moab, specifically renowned for its exceptional vineyards. Mentioned in [[Numbers 32:3]] and [[Joshua 13:19]] as a desirable land for settlement, its true significance emerges in the prophetic laments of [[Isaiah 16:8-9]] and [[Jeremiah 48:32]]. Here, the "vine of Sibmah" symbolizes Moab's agricultural prosperity and national pride. The prophetic pronouncements of its destruction highlight the transient nature of earthly abundance and serve as a powerful emblem of divine judgment against human arrogance and sin. Sibmah thus stands as a poignant reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and the ultimate futility of placing one's trust in temporal blessings rather than the eternal Giver.
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