Sheba

Lore & Background

Sheba appears in multiple genealogical lists, indicating that the name was used for different individuals. In the Table of Nations, Sheba is a son of Raamah, who was a son of Cush (Genesis 10:7). Another Sheba is a son of Jokshan, a descendant of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:3). These genealogies are repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:9 and 1 Chronicles 1:32. Additionally, a man named Sheba is listed among the Gadites in 1 Chronicles 5:13. The most dramatic narrative involving a person named Sheba is the rebellion of Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite. He led a revolt against King David after Absalom's rebellion, rallying the men of Israel with the cry, "We have no part in David" (2 Samuel 20:1). David sent Joab and others to pursue him (2 Samuel 20:6-7). Sheba took refuge in the city of Abel of Beth-maacah, but a wise woman negotiated with Joab, and the city's inhabitants cut off Sheba's head and threw it over the wall to Joab (2 Samuel 20:21-22). The queen of Sheba is a prominent figure who visited King Solomon, having heard of his fame and wisdom (1 Kings 10:1). She came with a great caravan bearing spices, gold, and precious stones (1 Kings 10:10). After testing Solomon with hard questions and seeing his wisdom and wealth, she gave him lavish gifts, and Solomon gave her whatever she desired before she returned to her own country (1 Kings 10:13).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Sheba as a name with multiple referents, each serving a different role in the biblical narrative. In genealogies, Sheba appears as a descendant of both Ham and Shem, reflecting the name's use among different peoples. The genealogical lists (Genesis 10:7, Genesis 25:3, 1 Chronicles 1:9, 1 Chronicles 1:32) do not provide any narrative details about these individuals, only their lineage. The rebel Sheba son of Bichri is portrayed as a divisive figure who exploited tribal tensions after Absalom's failed coup. His rebellion is short-lived and ends violently, with his head delivered to Joab by the inhabitants of Abel (2 Samuel 20:22). The narrative emphasizes the swift and decisive action taken to quell his uprising. The queen of Sheba is depicted as a wealthy and intelligent ruler who seeks wisdom. Her visit to Solomon is described in detail, highlighting the exchange of gifts and the mutual respect between the two monarchs (1 Kings 10:1-13, 2 Chronicles 9:1-12). The passages do not name her or specify her exact location, only that she came from a land called Sheba. Sheba also appears as a town in Simeon's inheritance (Joshua 19:2) and as a region whose trading caravans are mentioned in Job 6:19, indicating a place associated with commerce.

Did You Know?

• Sheba is listed as a son of Raamah (Genesis 10:7) and also as a son of Jokshan (Genesis 25:3), showing the name appears in two different genealogical lines.
• The rebel Sheba son of Bichri was a Benjamite, the same tribe as King Saul (2 Samuel 20:1).
• Sheba is also the name of a town in the territory of Simeon (Joshua 19:2).