Sheba שְׁבָא
Descendants of Cush, known for wealth and trade
Who is Sheba in the Bible?
Sheba refers to the Sabeans, a wealthy Arabian people descended from Cush, the son of Ham, whose kingdom flourished in the southern Arabian Peninsula in what is now Yemen (Genesis 10:7, 1 Chronicles 1:9). Known for their extensive trade networks, the Sabeans dealt in valuable commodities including spices, gold, and precious stones, making them prominent merchants throughout the ancient world. They appear in various Old Testament passages, sometimes portrayed as raiders who attacked Job's livestock (Job 1:15) and other times as traders bringing gifts to Jerusalem (Isaiah 45:14). The most famous reference to Sheba is the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon with great wealth and gifts, demonstrating the kingdom's power and prosperity (1 Kings 10:1-13). The Sabeans' repeated mention in Scripture underscores their significance as a major trading power and their role in illustrating both the riches of distant nations and God's providential dealings with diverse peoples.
the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Biography
The Sabeans, also known as Sheba, are mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament (Gen.10.7; 1Ch.1.9; Job.1.15; Jol.3.8; Isa.45.14; Ezk.23.42). They were descendants of Cush, the son of Ham, and were known for their wealth and extensive trade. The Sabeans were associated with the region of Sheba, located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, in modern-day Yemen. They were renowned for their trade in spices, gold, precious stones, and other luxury goods. In the book of Job, the Sabeans are mentioned as raiders who attacked and plundered Job's livestock, highlighting their military prowess. The queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon, was likely a ruler of this kingdom, emphasizing the Sabeans' prominence and wealth. The prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel also mention the Sabeans in the context of trade and their association with luxury items. The Sabeans played a significant role in the ancient Near Eastern trade network and were known for their prosperity and influence in the region.
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In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 10:7
"The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan."
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1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:9
"The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan."
Job 1 verse
- Job 1:15
"the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”"
Isaiah 1 verse
- Isaiah 45:14
"This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is..."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שְׁבָא | Sheba , the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an Ethiopian district |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | שְׁבָא | Sheba , the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an Ethiopian district |
| Group | Hebrew | שְׁבָאִי | a Shebaite or descendant of Sheba |
| Group | Hebrew | סְבָאִים | — |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | סְבָאִים | — |