Moabite town known for its vineyards
Sibmah
Named in 5 verses across 4 books, first in Numbers 32:38.
שְׂבָםSibmah
The name means “conversion; captivity.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Sibmah Written by AI
Sibmah, also known as Sebam (Num. 32:3), was a town located in the territory of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It was initially conquered by the Israelites during their journey to Canaan and allotted to the tribe of Reuben (Num. 32:38; Josh. 13:19). The town was known for its lush vineyards, which were celebrated for their productivity and the quality of their grapes. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah both mention Sibmah in their prophecies concerning the judgment of Moab. Isaiah laments over the destruction of the vineyards of Sibmah, describing how the rulers of the nations have trampled down its vines that once reached as far as Jazer and the wilderness (Isa. 16:8-9). Similarly, Jeremiah prophesies that the shouting over the summer fruits and the harvest will cease in the fields of Heshbon and the vineyards of Sibmah (Jer. 48:32). These prophecies indicate that Sibmah, along with other Moabite towns, would face divine judgment for its pride and idolatry. The destruction of its renowned vineyards symbolizes the extent of the coming devastation and the loss of Moab's prosperity and joy. Although the exact location of Sibmah is uncertain, it is believed to have been situated near Heshbon, a prominent Moabite city. The ruins of Qurn el-Kibsh, about 3 miles southwest of Heshbon, have been proposed as a possible site for ancient Sibmah.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Coolness; fragrance, a town in Reuben, in the territory of Moab, on the east of Jordan (Josh. 13:19); called also Shebam and Shibmah (Num. 32:3, 38). It was famous for its vines (Isa. 16:9; Jer. 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.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
31.815, 35.767 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Numbers 32:38
as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed), and Sibmah. And they renamed the cities they rebuilt.
- Joshua 13:19
Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley,
- Isaiah 16:8
For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea.
- Isaiah 16:9
So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest.
- Jeremiah 48:32
I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your tendrils have extended to the sea; they reach even to Jazer. The destroyer has descended on your summer fruit and grape harvest.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.