Sheba: Son of Jokshan
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Sheba, a biblical figure, is identified as one of the sons of Jokshan, who was a son of Abraham through Keturah. This lineage is detailed in the genealogical records found in the Old Testament. The Berean Standard Bible provides a concise account of Sheba's ancestry in Genesis 25:1-3: "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan."

Genealogical Context

Sheba's place in the genealogical records highlights the expansive family of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. Abraham's marriage to Keturah and the subsequent offspring, including Jokshan and his sons Sheba and Dedan, illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4). The descendants of Keturah, including Sheba, are often associated with various tribes and regions in the ancient Near East.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The name Sheba is associated with wealth and trade, particularly in the context of the ancient world. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Sheba, son of Jokshan, the name itself is significant in biblical history. It is important to distinguish this Sheba from other biblical figures with the same name, such as the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon, and Sheba, son of Bichri, who led a rebellion against King David.

The descendants of Sheba, son of Jokshan, are believed to have settled in regions that were known for trade and commerce. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that often associates the descendants of Keturah with Arabian tribes. The mention of Sheba in genealogical records serves as a testament to the widespread influence and reach of Abraham's descendants.

Biblical References and Interpretations

The brief mention of Sheba in the genealogical lists underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The genealogies in Genesis serve not only as historical records but also as theological affirmations of God's promises to Abraham. The inclusion of Sheba in these records reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant and the diverse nations that emerged from Abraham's lineage.

In 1 Chronicles 1:32, the genealogy is reiterated: "The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan." This repetition in the Chronicles underscores the significance of these genealogies in understanding the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan.

Conclusion

While the biblical text provides limited information about Sheba, son of Jokshan, his inclusion in the genealogical records of Genesis and 1 Chronicles highlights the expansive nature of Abraham's family and the fulfillment of God's promises. The descendants of Sheba, along with those of his brother Dedan, contribute to the rich tapestry of nations and peoples that trace their origins back to Abraham, the father of many nations.
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Genesis 25:3
And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
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1 Chronicles 1:32
Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bore Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan.
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Chapter xxv
... "Jokshan" apparently not yet identified satisfactorily. ... 3. "Sheba," cf. ... 60:6 would
merely indicate that "Ephah" may have been Midian's most distinguished son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Resources
Are there any black people mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are some of the riddles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Solomon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Sheba

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Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon: Prophecies Concerning the People of, Coming Into the Kingdom of the Messiah

Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon: Rich in Gold

Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon: Rich in Incense

Sheba: Son of Jokshan

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Related Terms

Bath-sheba (12 Occurrences)

Beer-sheba (33 Occurrences)

Eli'sheba (1 Occurrence)

Bathshe'ba (10 Occurrences)

Bichri (8 Occurrences)

Bicri (8 Occurrences)

Dedan (10 Occurrences)

Bathsheba (14 Occurrences)

Seba (4 Occurrences)

Queen (59 Occurrences)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)

Merchants (34 Occurrences)

Quantities (13 Occurrences)

Ra'amah (3 Occurrences)

Retinue (4 Occurrences)

Raama (1 Occurrence)

Raamah (3 Occurrences)

Riseth (165 Occurrences)

Mola'dah (4 Occurrences)

Chilmad (1 Occurrence)

Adoni'jah (26 Occurrences)

Shema (7 Occurrences)

Sabaeans

Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)

Abishai (25 Occurrences)

Boweth (53 Occurrences)

Spices (64 Occurrences)

Abraham (2539 Occurrences)

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)

Zib'iah (2 Occurrences)

Joab's (13 Occurrences)

Jokshan (3 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Walled (63 Occurrences)

Traded (16 Occurrences)

Traffickers (9 Occurrences)

Turneth (249 Occurrences)

Enigmas (4 Occurrences)

Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences)

Difficult (31 Occurrences)

Prostrated (29 Occurrences)

Benjamite (15 Occurrences)

Camel-trains (3 Occurrences)

Caravan (8 Occurrences)

Abimael (2 Occurrences)

Abim'a-el (2 Occurrences)

Amasa (13 Occurrences)

Abimelech (63 Occurrences)

Sabtecha (2 Occurrences)

Sabteca (2 Occurrences)

Sab'teca (2 Occurrences)

Requested (29 Occurrences)

Train (17 Occurrences)

Adonijah (28 Occurrences)

Havilah (7 Occurrences)

Hav'ilah (6 Occurrences)

Traders (31 Occurrences)

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)

Distant (56 Occurrences)

Hazar-shual (4 Occurrences)

Jewels (54 Occurrences)

Fame (38 Occurrences)

Spice (25 Occurrences)

Stores (53 Occurrences)

Blew (37 Occurrences)

Pursue (104 Occurrences)

Dependent (35 Occurrences)

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)

Talents (36 Occurrences)

Dwelleth (142 Occurrences)

Frankincense (22 Occurrences)

Joab (128 Occurrences)

Cush (31 Occurrences)

Sounded (66 Occurrences)

Bathshua (2 Occurrences)

Oaths (49 Occurrences)

Solomon (277 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Sheaves (13 Occurrences)

Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon: Rich in Incense
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