Sibraim is a city mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel, as part of the northern boundary of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel. The reference to Sibraim is found in Ezekiel 47:16, which states: "Berothah and Sibraim (which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran."

Geographical Context

Sibraim is situated in the region that historically corresponds to ancient Syria, lying between the borders of Damascus and Hamath. This location places Sibraim in a significant geographical area, as both Damascus and Hamath were prominent cities in ancient Near Eastern history. Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was a major cultural and commercial center. Hamath, located further north, was an important city-state and often mentioned in biblical and extra-biblical texts.

Biblical Significance

The mention of Sibraim in Ezekiel is part of a prophetic vision concerning the future boundaries of the land of Israel. Ezekiel 47 outlines the idealized borders of the land that God promises to the Israelites, extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River and beyond. The inclusion of Sibraim in this vision underscores its role as a marker in the delineation of these divinely ordained boundaries.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

While Sibraim itself is not extensively documented outside of the biblical text, its mention alongside well-known cities like Damascus and Hamath suggests it was a recognized location during the time of Ezekiel's writing. The lack of additional historical or archaeological evidence about Sibraim may be attributed to the passage of time and the shifting of political and cultural landscapes in the region.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Sibraim in the context of Ezekiel's vision highlights the theme of restoration and divine promise. The delineation of boundaries in Ezekiel 47 is part of a larger narrative of hope and renewal for the people of Israel, who were in exile at the time of the prophecy. The specific mention of cities and borders serves to reinforce the tangible and specific nature of God's promises to His people.

Conclusion

Sibraim, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, plays a role in the prophetic vision of Israel's future as described by Ezekiel. Its location between Damascus and Hamath places it within a historically significant region, contributing to our understanding of the biblical narrative and the geographical context of ancient Israel.Ezekiel 47:16
Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran.
Nave's Topical Index

5453. Sibrayim -- a city in Aram (Syria)
... Definition: Sibraim. Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a city in Aram
(Syria) NASB Word Usage Sibraim (1). Sibraim. Dual from ...
/hebrew/5453.htm - 6k

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... III., where the statement at the close indicates that Tiglath-pileser received the
tributary kings of Syria "in Arpad," after he had captured that city. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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