Interesting Facts

• Sheba is recorded as one of the sons of Joktan.
• His name is included in the genealogical lists that trace the descendants of Shem after the flood.

Genealogy

• Father: Joktan.
• He is listed among the twelve sons of Joktan, whose brothers include Almodad, Sheleph/Shelaf, Hazarmaveth/Chazarmoveth, Jerah/Yerach, Hadoram/Hadurom, Uzal/Ozel, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab.

Historical Context

As a descendant of Joktan, Sheba’s existence is placed in the post-deluvian era, following the great flood and the significant event of the dispersion of languages and peoples from the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar. The sources indicate that the first generations after the flood were born between 1658-1680 A.M.. Joktan himself was born in 1772 A.M., a time when, according to the Book of Jasher, the lifespan of humankind began to diminish. Sheba, as his son, would have lived in a world shaped by the repopulation efforts after the flood, the establishment of distinct linguistic groups, and the initial phases of settlement in different territories. The territory designated for Joktan and his sons was “from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east”, suggesting their establishment in eastern regions. This era also saw the rise of individuals like Nimrod, who began to establish kingdoms in the land of Shinar. Furthermore, the influence of fallen angelic beings and the increase in wickedness among humanity are also noted during this period.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Sheba, the son of Joktan, in the provided ancient texts is limited to his inclusion in genealogical records. He is mentioned solely as one of the twelve sons born to Joktan, thereby establishing his lineage within the descendants of Shem after the flood and the subsequent events at the Tower of Babel. The sources do not ascribe any specific actions, speeches, or personal history to Sheba. His existence is documented through his familial connection to Joktan and his position among his brothers. As one of the sons listed, he is part of a family unit that settled in the eastern territories as humanity dispersed from Shinar. While the historical context describes a transformative era with migrations, the development of new societies, and the diversification of language and culture, Sheba’s individual role or experiences during this time are not narrated within these sources. His significance, therefore, lies in his place within the genealogical record as a descendant of Shem, contributing to the repopulation and diversification of the earth in the post-diluvian world.