The Hebrew word Çukkîy, represented by H5525, refers to a Sukkite, an inhabitant of a place near Egypt. The term is patrial, derived from an unknown name, and may mean hut-dwellers. It is exceptionally rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse.
The single biblical reference to the Sukkiims occurs in 2 Chronicles 12:3. In this passage, they are listed as part of a massive, multinational army that came out of Egypt. The verse describes this force as having "twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen," and notes that the people, including the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians, "were without number." This context establishes the Sukkiims as one of several distinct peoples serving within Egypt's military power.
The identity of the Sukkiims is further understood by the peoples they are mentioned with in their only appearance:
- H3864 Lûwbîy: This term refers to a Libyan or inhabitant of interior Africa. The Lubims are frequently mentioned alongside the Ethiopians, often as part of a formidable military force 2 Chronicles 16:8.
- H3569 Kûwshîy: This word denotes a Cushite, or descendant of Cush, also translated as Ethiopian. The Ethiopians are mentioned throughout scripture and are part of the vast host that came from Egypt with the Sukkiims 2 Chronicles 12:3.
While mentioned only once, the inclusion of H5525 carries narrative weight by contributing to the larger biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations.
- Scale of Worldly Power: The listing of the Sukkiims alongside the Lubims and Ethiopians serves to emphasize the sheer size and international scope of the Egyptian army, which is described as being "without number" 2 Chronicles 12:3.
- Divine Authority Over Nations: The groups associated with the Sukkiims are elsewhere depicted as a "huge host" that the LORD can defeat to show his power when his people rely on him 2 Chronicles 16:8. The presence of the Sukkiims in such a coalition implicitly places them under this same divine authority.
- Geopolitical Alliances: The reference provides a glimpse into the diverse peoples that constituted the military and political sphere of influence of Egypt during this period in Old Testament history.
In summary, Çukkîy H5525 is a term for a specific people group whose sole biblical appearance is in a military context. Though a minor detail, the mention of the Sukkiims contributes to the biblical author's goal of portraying the overwhelming size of the Egyptian-led forces. Their inclusion in this list of peoples reinforces the theme that no earthly army, no matter how vast or diverse, is beyond the ultimate control of God.
TRV