The Hebrew word Çippay, represented by H5598, refers to a specific Philistine individual. The name is derived from a root meaning "bason-like." It appears only 1 time in the Bible, in a single verse that records a historical conflict.
The sole appearance of H5598 is in the narrative of Israel's wars against the Philistines. In 1 Chronicles 20:4, a battle arises at Gezer where Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai. The text provides a crucial detail about Sippai, identifying him as one of "the children of the giant." The verse concludes by stating that as a result of this encounter, the Philistines "were subdued."
The context of H5598 is defined by several key action words from its only appearance:
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike): This primitive root describes the act of striking, which can range from a light touch to a fatal blow. It is used to describe the slaying of Sippai 1 Chronicles 20:4, but also appears in prophetic contexts, such as God smiting the shepherd Zechariah 13:7 or the earth Isaiah 11:4.
- H3665 kânaʻ (to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish): This word describes the outcome of the battle. While it can refer to voluntary humbling before God 2 Chronicles 7:14, in the case of Sippai's people, it signifies being vanquished and brought into subjection by force 1 Chronicles 20:4.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle; generally, war): This term sets the scene for Sippai's appearance. It is used for human conflicts, but also for battles where God's sovereignty is paramount, as in the declaration, "for the battle is not yours, but God's" 2 Chronicles 20:15.
- H5975 ʻâmad (to stand): This word, used for "arose" in the phrase "there arose war," signifies the beginning of an event. It can also mean to endure or to take a firm position, such as when the people of Judah are told to "stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD" 2 Chronicles 20:17.
The theological significance of H5598 is tied entirely to the event in which the name appears.
- Divine Sovereignty in War: The account of Sippai's death is part of a larger narrative demonstrating God's power to grant victory to His people. The conflict H4421 results in the enemy being subdued H3665, reinforcing the theme that God fights for Israel Deuteronomy 20:1.
- Overcoming Formidable Enemies: Sippai is explicitly noted as being "of the children of the giant" 1 Chronicles 20:4. The defeat of such an imposing figure serves as a testament to God's power over any enemy, no matter how strong they appear.
- The Act of Slaying: The slaying H5221 of Sippai is a specific act of judgment within a conflict. This same word, nâkâh, is used to describe God's own decisive actions, such as when He is "smitten of God, and afflicted" Isaiah 53:4 or when He promises to "smite the earth with a curse" Malachi 4:6.
In summary, H5598 Çippay is not a theological concept but the name of a historical figure: a Philistine giant. His significance comes from his role in a single biblical account. The narrative of his defeat illustrates God's faithfulness to Israel in times of war H4421, His power to subdue H3665 formidable foes, and the finality of being slain H5221 as an enemy of God's people.
TRV