Biblical References:
Shibmah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua. In Numbers 32:38, it is referred to as one of the cities built by the tribe of Reuben. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Nebo, Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Shibmah. They gave names to the cities they built." In Joshua 13:19, Shibmah is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben: "Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Shibmah, also known as Sibmah, was a city located in the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its fertile land and was part of the territory that the Israelites conquered under the leadership of Moses and Joshua. The city was situated near Heshbon, a significant city in the region, and was known for its vineyards, as indicated in Isaiah 16:8-9 and Jeremiah 48:32, where the destruction of Sibmah's vineyards is lamented.

Tribal Significance:
The city of Shibmah was part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Reuben. The Reubenites, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River because of the land's suitability for their livestock. This decision is recorded in Numbers 32, where the tribes request permission from Moses to inhabit the land, which was granted on the condition that they assist in the conquest of Canaan.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
Shibmah's mention in the context of vineyards highlights the agricultural prosperity of the region. Vineyards were a symbol of wealth and blessing in ancient Israelite culture, often associated with peace and divine favor. The lament over the destruction of Sibmah's vineyards in the prophetic books underscores the consequences of divine judgment and the loss of prosperity due to disobedience and idolatry.

Prophetic References:
The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah both reference Sibmah in their oracles against Moab. Isaiah 16:8-9 states: "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." Jeremiah 48:32 echoes this lament: "I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than for Jazer. Your branches spread as far as the sea; they reached to the sea of Jazer. The destroyer has fallen on your summer fruit and grape harvest."

These prophetic passages reflect the broader theme of judgment against Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel. The destruction of Sibmah's vineyards serves as a metaphor for the downfall of Moab's pride and prosperity.

Archaeological Considerations:
While the exact location of Shibmah has not been definitively identified, it is generally associated with the region around modern-day Jordan. Archaeological efforts in the area have focused on uncovering evidence of ancient Moabite and Israelite settlements, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Conclusion:
Shibmah, as a city of the Reubenites, holds significance in the biblical narrative as part of the land east of the Jordan River. Its mention in prophetic literature highlights the themes of judgment and loss, while its agricultural prosperity underscores the blessings associated with obedience to God.Shibmah

overmuch captivity, or sitting

Shibmah

(properly SIBMAH). [SHEBAM]

Fragrance, a town of Reuben, east of Jordan (Numbers 32:38). SHIBMAH

shib'-ma (sibhmah).

See SIBMAH.

7643. Sebam -- a place in Moab
... Shebam, Shibmah, Sibmah. Or (feminine) Sibmah {sib-maw'}; probably from basam; spice;
Sebam or Sibmah, a place in Moab -- Shebam, Shibmah, Sibmah. ...
/hebrew/7643.htm - 6kShibmah (1 Occurrence)
... 38). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHIBMAH. shib'-ma (sibhmah). See SIBMAH.
Multi-Version Concordance Shibmah (1 Occurrence). Numbers ...
/s/shibmah.htm - 7k

Shibboleth (1 Occurrence)

/s/shibboleth.htm - 8k

Baalmeon (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah:
and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. (KJV). ...
/b/baalmeon.htm - 8k

Builded (65 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,)
and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. ...
/b/builded.htm - 27k

Sibmah (5 Occurrences)
... 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). ...
/s/sibmah.htm - 9k

Sebam (1 Occurrence)
... It is named along with Heshbon, Elealeh and Nebo (Nu 32:3). It is probably the same
place as Sibmah (the King James Version "Shibmah") in Nu 32:38 (so also ...
/s/sebam.htm - 7k

Shicron (1 Occurrence)

/s/shicron.htm - 6k

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