patronymically from חוּשָׁה; a Chushathite or descendant of Chushah; Hushathite.
Transliteration:Chushâthîy
Pronunciation:khoo-shaw-thee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The term Chushathite (`{{H2843}}`, חֻשָׁתִי, *Chushâthîy*) is a patronymic adjective, meaning "of Chushah" or "descendant of Chushah." It derives from the proper name Chushah (חוּשָׁה), which itself is likely related to the Hebrew root חוּשׁ (`{{H2363}}`, *chûsh*), signifying "to make haste" or "to be eager." However, in its adjectival form as Chushathite, the primary semantic function is to identify an individual's ancestral or tribal affiliation rather than to convey the meaning of the root itself. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, serving purely as a marker of lineage and origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Chushathite (`{{H2843}}`) appears exclusively in reference to one individual, Sibbecai, a prominent figure in King David's reign.
* In [[2 Samuel 21:18]], Sibbecai the Hushathite is credited with slaying Saph, one of the descendants of the Rephaim (giants) in Gob, during a battle against the Philistines. This act of valor is reiterated in [[1 Chronicles 20:4]], where the giant is named Sippai. These accounts highlight Sibbecai's strength and his crucial role in securing Israel's victory against formidable adversaries.
* Sibbecai is also listed among David's "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, *gibborim*) in [[1 Chronicles 11:29]], further cementing his status as an elite warrior and a trusted member of David's inner circle.
* Furthermore, [[1 Chronicles 27:11]] identifies Sibbecai the Hushathite as the commander of the eighth division of David's army, responsible for the eighth month of service. This indicates a position of significant leadership and administrative responsibility within the kingdom, underscoring his reliability and the king's confidence in him.
The consistent use of the patronymic "Hushathite" alongside Sibbecai's name emphasizes his distinct identity and perhaps the recognition of his family or clan within Israelite society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Chushathite (`{{H2843}}`) naturally connects to several related biblical concepts:
* **Patronymics and Lineage:** The suffix "-athite" is a common way in Hebrew to denote descent or affiliation (e.g., Gittite, Tekoite). This highlights the profound importance of family, clan, and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society, where one's heritage often defined one's place and role within the community.
* **"Mighty Men" (גִּבֹּרִים, `{{H1368}}`):** Sibbecai's inclusion among David's elite warriors links the Chushathite identity to qualities of extraordinary strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty in service to the king and, by extension, to Yahweh.
* **Warfare and Deliverance:** The context of Sibbecai's actions against the Philistines and the Rephaim connects the Chushathite to the broader biblical narrative of God's deliverance of His people through human agents, often in the face of overwhelming odds.
* **Ancestral Names:** The base name Chushah (חוּשָׁה) itself, though not directly defined in the text, serves as the foundational identity marker for this lineage, even if its etymological meaning ("haste") does not directly inform the patronymic's significance.
### Theological Significance
The preservation of the term Chushathite (`{{H2843}}`) and the actions of Sibbecai carry several theological implications:
* **God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs:** The detailed record of individuals like Sibbecai, identified by their lineage, underscores God's meticulous attention to human history and His sovereign use of specific people, even those from seemingly obscure backgrounds, to accomplish His divine purposes.
* **Valor and Faithfulness in Service:** Sibbecai's defeat of a giant exemplifies valor and faithfulness in service to God's anointed king. His actions are not merely military feats but acts of obedience and trust in the God who grants victory. This echoes the broader biblical theme that God empowers His servants to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, reminding believers that "the battle is the Lord's" ([[1 Samuel 17:47]]).
* **Importance of Community and Identity:** The patronymic highlights the significance of one's place within the covenant community. While individual actions are celebrated, they are often understood within the context of family, clan, and tribe, reflecting God's design for human society as interconnected and mutually supportive.
* **Divine Providence in Warfare:** Sibbecai's victories contribute to the security and peace of Israel under David's reign, illustrating how God works through human agents in both peace and war to fulfill His covenant promises and establish His kingdom on earth.
### Summary
The term Chushathite (`{{H2843}}`, חֻשָׁתִי, *Chushâthîy*) is a patronymic descriptor, identifying an individual as a descendant of Chushah. Its sole biblical application is to Sibbecai, one of King David's renowned "mighty men." Sibbecai's valor is notably displayed in his slaying of a Philistine giant, and his leadership is evident in his command of a division of David's army. The term underscores the deep importance of lineage and tribal identity within ancient Israelite society. Theologically, the Chushathite narrative points to God's sovereign use of specific individuals and their heritage to achieve His purposes, highlighting themes of divine empowerment, faithfulness in service, and the significance of communal identity in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
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