Overview:
Shebam is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the tribal allotments east of the Jordan River. It is associated with the territory of the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Shebam appears in the context of the land distribution among the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who requested to settle in the fertile lands suitable for their livestock.

Biblical References:
Shebam is mentioned in the Book of Numbers, which details the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land and the subsequent division of the land among the tribes. In Numbers 32:3 , the passage states: "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon." Here, Shebam is listed among the cities in the region that the tribes of Reuben and Gad desired to possess due to its suitability for their large herds.

Historical and Geographical Context:
The region where Shebam is located is part of the Transjordan, an area east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its rich pastures and was highly desirable for tribes with significant livestock holdings. The request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in this region was based on their need for ample grazing land, as described in Numbers 32:1 : "The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock."

Tribal Significance:
The allocation of Shebam and its surrounding areas to the tribes of Reuben and Gad was part of a broader agreement that allowed these tribes to settle east of the Jordan, provided they assisted the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. This agreement is detailed in Numbers 32:20-22 , where Moses instructs them to fulfill their military obligations before settling in their chosen land.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
The mention of Shebam and the surrounding cities highlights the importance of land and resources in the tribal organization of ancient Israel. The request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad underscores the practical considerations of land use and the need for cooperation among the tribes to achieve common goals. Theologically, the narrative reflects the faithfulness of God in providing for the needs of His people, as well as the importance of obedience and unity in fulfilling His promises.

Conclusion:
While Shebam itself is not a major focal point in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the list of cities desired by the tribes of Reuben and Gad provides insight into the socio-economic dynamics of the Israelite settlement in the Transjordan. The account of Shebam serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between divine providence and human responsibility in the unfolding account of the Israelites.Shebam

compassing about; old men

Shebam

(fragrance), one of the towns in the pastoral district on the east of Jordan; demanded by and finally ceded to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. (Numbers 32:3) It is probably the same as SHIBMAH, (Numbers 32:38) and SIBMAH. (Joshua 13:13; Isaiah 16:8,9; Jeremiah 48:32)

SHEBAM

she'-bam.

See SEBAM.

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 - 6kShebam (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEBAM. she'-bam. See SEBAM. Multi-Version
Concordance Shebam (1 Occurrence). Numbers 32:3 Ataroth ...
/s/shebam.htm - 6k

Shebaniah (7 Occurrences)

/s/shebaniah.htm - 10k

Shebah (1 Occurrence)

/s/shebah.htm - 6k

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)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEBAM. (sebham; Sebama; the King James Version Shebam):
A town in the upland pasture land given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. ...
/s/sebam.htm - 7k

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