Overview
Sibmah (also spelled Sibmah or Shibmah) was a Moabite city located east of the Jordan River, originally assigned to the tribe of Reuben during the conquest of Canaan. The city was particularly famous for its productive vineyards, which became a symbol of Moab's wealth and pride before divine judgment.
Key Scriptures
"The fields of Heshbon languish, and the vines of Sibmah; the lords of the nations have struck down its choice vines that reached to Jazer and strayed to the desert; its shoots spread abroad and passed over the sea" (Isaiah 16:8, ESV).
"For the fields of Sibmah I weep more than for Jazer; I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh" (Isaiah 16:9, ESV).
"And Sibmah, and Zareth-Shahar on the hill of the valley" (Joshua 13:19, ESV).
Application
Sibmah's fate reminds us that earthly prosperity and pride in human accomplishments are temporary and subject to God's sovereign judgment.