Sheth
“Tumult (or Compensation)”
Summary
A name appearing in the Old Testament both as an alternate form for the patriarch Seth and as a term in Balaam's prophecy, likely meaning 'tumult.'
☩Patriarch Seth
In 1 Chronicles 1:1, Sheth is simply an alternate spelling of Seth, the third son of Adam who was born after Abel's death and Cain's exile.
☩In Balaam's Prophecy
In Numbers 24:17, the phrase 'children of Sheth' appears in Balaam's prophecy about a star arising from Jacob who would 'destroy all the children of Sheth.' Most modern scholars believe this should be translated 'sons of tumult' rather than as a proper name, referring to the fierce warriors of Moab. The parallel passage in Jeremiah 48:45 uses 'sons of tumult' (Hebrew shaon), supporting this interpretation. The Targum of Jonathan interpreted it as referring to the armies of Gog.
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Sheth," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sheth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sheth," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sheth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).