Sebam, also referred to as Sibmah in some biblical translations, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments east of the Jordan River. It is associated with the territory of the tribe of Reuben. The name Sebam is found in the Book of Numbers, where it is listed among the cities that the Reubenites rebuilt after the conquest of the region.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 32:3 : "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon." This verse is part of a passage where the tribes of Reuben and Gad request to settle in the land of Gilead, which they found suitable for their livestock. Sebam is mentioned as one of the cities in this fertile region.

2. Numbers 32:38 : "Nebo, Baal Meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt." This verse indicates that the Reubenites not only rebuilt these cities but also renamed them, suggesting a new beginning or a claim of ownership over the land.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Sebam, or Sibmah, was located in the region of Moab, which was known for its rich pastures and vineyards. The area was highly valued for its agricultural potential, particularly for the cultivation of grapes. The vineyards of Sibmah are noted in the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah, highlighting the region's significance in the ancient Near Eastern economy.

Isaiah 16:8-9 : "For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled the choicest vines, which once reached Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots spread out and reached the sea. So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh, for the shouts of joy over your summer fruits and harvest have fallen silent."

Jeremiah 48:32 : "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."

These passages reflect the prosperity and subsequent desolation of the region, often used as a metaphor for the judgment and lamentation over Moab.

Theological Significance:

Sebam's mention in the context of the Reubenite settlement underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the land. The rebuilding and renaming of cities like Sebam signify the establishment of Israelite identity and heritage in the Promised Land. The prophetic references to the vineyards of Sibmah serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as well as the transient nature of earthly prosperity.

Sebam, therefore, is not only a geographical location but also a symbol of divine provision, human endeavor, and the moral and spiritual lessons that arise from the history of God's people.SEBAM

(sebham; Sebama; the King James Version Shebam):

A town in the upland pasture land given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. 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 Josh 13:19). In the time of Isaiah and Jeremiah it was a Moabite town, but there is no record of how or when it was taken from Israel. It appears to have been famous for the luxuriance of its vines and for its summer fruits (Isa 16:8; Jer 48:32). Eusebius (in Onomasticon) calls it a city of Moab in the land of Gilead which fell to the tribe of Reuben. Jerome (Comm. in Isa 5) says it was about 500 paces from Heshbon, and he describes it as one of the strong places of that region. It may be represented by the modern Simia, which stands on the south side of Wady Chesban, about 2 miles from Chesban. The ancient ruins are considerable, with large sarcophagi; and in the neighboring rock wine presses are cut (PEFM, "Eastern Palestine," 221).
W. Ewing

7643. Sebam -- a place in Moab
... 7642b, 7643. Sebam. 7644 . a place in Moab. Transliteration: Sebam Phonetic
Spelling: (seb-awm') Short Definition: Sibmah. Word ...
/hebrew/7643.htm - 6kSebam (1 Occurrence)
...SEBAM. (sebham; Sebama; the King James Version Shebam): A town in the upland pasture
land given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. ...Sebam (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/sebam.htm - 7k

Nebo (13 Occurrences)
... See BABYLONIA AND ASSYRIA, RELIGION OF. NEBO (2). (nebho; Nabau): (1) This town
is named in Numbers 32:3 between Sebam and Beon (which latter evidently ...
/n/nebo.htm - 17k

Seba (4 Occurrences)

/s/seba.htm - 10k

Nimrah (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:3 "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh,
and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/n/nimrah.htm - 8k

Jazer (13 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:3 "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh,
and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jazer.htm - 13k

Jaazer (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jaazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon,
and Elaleh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (DBY). Numbers ...
/j/jaazer.htm - 11k

Elea'leh (2 Occurrences)
... Elea'leh (2 Occurrences). Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah,
and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (See RSV). ...
/e/elea'leh.htm - 6k

Elaleh (3 Occurrences)
... Elaleh (3 Occurrences). Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jaazer, and Nimrah,
and Heshbon, and Elaleh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (DBY). ...
/e/elaleh.htm - 7k

Elealeh (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:3 "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh,
and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/elealeh.htm - 9k

Dibon (12 Occurrences)
... Numbers 32:3 "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh,
and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dibon.htm - 12k

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