Meaning
Sheba is a name found in the Bible for several people and places. The precise meaning of the name of Sheba son of Bichri, the Benjamite rebel in 2 Samuel 20, is uncertain. The name should not be assumed to have the same meaning in every biblical occurrence.
Biblical Usage
In 2 Samuel 20, Sheba son of Bichri was a Benjamite who led a revolt against David. After Absalom’s rebellion, Sheba called the tribes of Israel to withdraw their allegiance from David. Joab pursued him to Abel, where the inhabitants killed Sheba and cast his head out to Joab.
The name Sheba also appears elsewhere in Scripture for other people and places, including descendants listed in Genesis and the queen’s homeland mentioned in the account of Solomon.
Key References
- Genesis 10:7 — Sheba is listed among the descendants of Cush.
- Genesis 10:28 — Another Sheba is listed among the descendants of Joktan.
- 2 Samuel 20:1–22 — Sheba son of Bichri leads a revolt against David and is killed.
- 1 Kings 10:1 — The queen of Sheba hears of Solomon’s fame.
- 1 Chronicles 1:9, 22 — Sheba appears in genealogical lists.
Related Terms
- David — The king against whom Sheba rebelled.
- Joab — The commander who pursued Sheba.
- Absalom — David’s son whose rebellion preceded Sheba’s revolt.
- Rebellion — An uprising against an established ruler.