patrial from an unknown name (perhaps סֹךְ); a Sukkite, or inhabitant of some place near Egypt (i.e. hut-dwellers); Sukkiims.
Transliteration:Çukkîy
Pronunciation:sook-kee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5525}}` (Çukkîy), transliterated as Sukkiims, is a gentilic or patrial noun. This classification indicates that it denotes an inhabitant of a specific place or a member of a particular people group. The Strong's definition suggests its derivation from an unknown name, possibly related to סֹךְ (sok), which means "booth" or "hut." If this etymological connection holds, the term would literally describe "hut-dwellers." Geographically, the definition places these people "near Egypt," indicating their proximity to the Nile Delta or surrounding regions. Thus, `{{H5525}}` refers to a distinct ethnic or tribal group known as the Sukkiims, characterized perhaps by their dwelling habits and their location relative to Egypt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H5525}}` (Sukkiims) appears in the Hebrew Bible only once, in [[2 Chronicles 12:3]]. This singular occurrence provides the primary context for understanding this group. The passage describes the invasion of Judah by Shishak, king of Egypt, during the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign. [[2 Chronicles 12:3]] states: "with twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen. And the people who came with him from Egypt were without number: Libyans, Sukkiims, and Ethiopians."
From this verse, several key points emerge:
* **Association with Egypt:** The Sukkiims are explicitly listed as part of Shishak's army "from Egypt," indicating their close alliance with or subjugation to the Egyptian pharaoh.
* **Composition of Forces:** They are grouped with the Libyans (`{{H3864}}` Lubim) and Ethiopians (`{{H3568}}` Kushim), both well-known peoples from regions west and south of Egypt, respectively. This suggests the Sukkiims were another significant, non-Israelite group contributing to the Egyptian military might.
* **Scale of Invasion:** The description of the invading forces as "without number" underscores the overwhelming power and vast array of peoples assembled under Shishak, highlighting the severity of the threat to Judah.
* **Historical Context:** The invasion itself is presented as divine judgment against Rehoboam and Judah for their unfaithfulness to the Lord ([[2 Chronicles 12:1-2]]). The presence of foreign peoples like the Sukkiims serves to magnify the instrument of God's discipline.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H5525}}` benefits from considering its potential linguistic and contextual relationships:
* **סֹךְ (sok) / סֻכָּה (sukkah):** The proposed root connection to "booth" or "hut" (e.g., `{{H5521}}` *sok* or `{{H5520}}` *sukkah*) suggests a possible nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle for the Sukkiims, dwelling in temporary shelters. This contrasts with the more settled urban populations of the ancient Near East.
* **Libyans (לוּבִים, `{{H3864}}` Lubim):** Mentioned immediately before the Sukkiims in [[2 Chronicles 12:3]], these were inhabitants of ancient Libya, located to the west of Egypt. Their inclusion alongside the Sukkiims points to a common sphere of Egyptian influence.
* **Ethiopians (כּוּשִׁים, `{{H3568}}` Kushim):** Listed immediately after the Sukkiims, the Ethiopians were from ancient Cush, south of Egypt. The grouping of these three peoples (Libyans, Sukkiims, Ethiopians) paints a picture of a diverse, multi-ethnic coalition under Egyptian command.
* **Egypt (מִצְרַיִם, `{{H4714}}` Mitsrayim):** The central power to which the Sukkiims are linked. Their participation in Shishak's army demonstrates Egypt's extensive geopolitical reach and its ability to conscript or ally with various peoples in its military campaigns.
* **Mercenary/Allied Forces:** The inclusion of such distinct ethnic groups in a foreign army was common in the ancient world, reflecting the use of mercenaries or the mobilization of allied/subjugated peoples for military objectives.
### Theological Significance
While the Sukkiims are a minor detail in the biblical narrative, their single mention carries theological weight within the larger framework of God's sovereignty and judgment.
* **Divine Judgment:** The primary theological significance lies in their role as instruments of God's judgment against Rehoboam and Judah. Their inclusion emphasizes the overwhelming nature of Shishak's invasion, which was understood as a direct consequence of Judah's apostasy ([[2 Chronicles 12:1-2]]). God uses even obscure foreign peoples to accomplish His purposes.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** The presence of the Sukkiims, along with the Libyans and Ethiopians, demonstrates God's sovereign control over all nations and peoples, even those seemingly peripheral to Israel's direct covenant history. The "without number" aspect of the army underscores that no people group, however numerous or obscure, is outside the purview of God's knowledge and ultimate control.
* **The Universality of God's Plan:** The biblical text, by naming diverse peoples, subtly affirms the vastness of the human family and the intricate ways in which different cultures and nations interact, often under divine orchestration, to fulfill God's overarching plans for humanity and His covenant people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5525}}` (Çukkîy), transliterated as Sukkiims, denotes a people group possibly known as "hut-dwellers," located in the vicinity of Egypt. Their sole biblical appearance is in [[2 Chronicles 12:3]], where they are listed as part of the immense army of Shishak, king of Egypt, that invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign. Grouped with the Libyans and Ethiopians, the Sukkiims represent a distinct, non-Israelite contingent within the Egyptian sphere of influence, highlighting the diverse composition of ancient armies. Theologically, their inclusion serves to underscore the formidable nature of the divine judgment brought upon Judah and to affirm God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, using even seemingly minor or obscure peoples to accomplish His purposes in history.
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