### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Shûwshankîy**, represented by `{{H7801}}`, is a term of foreign origin that refers to the **Susanchites**. This word, which appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, collectively identifies the inhabitants of an unknown place in Assyrian territory. Its sole usage is to name one of the many foreign groups who were part of a formal political opposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only biblical appearance of `{{H7801}}` is in [[Ezra 4:9]]. In this verse, the **Susanchites** are listed as co-signatories of a letter written to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The letter was initiated by "Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions" [[Ezra 4:9]]. The inclusion of the **Susanchites** in this list places them firmly within a coalition of peoples who were resettled in the region and opposed the restoration of the Jewish community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word **Shûwshankîy** appears alongside numerous other terms that define the groups and individuals involved in this opposition:
* `{{H7348}}` **Rᵉchûwm** (Rehum): The name of the Persian **chancellor** `{{H1169}}` who led the effort to write the letter against Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H8124}}` **Shimshay** (Shimshai): The Samaritan **scribe** `{{H5613}}` who co-authored the letter with Rehum [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H3675}}` **kᵉnâth** (companion): This term, meaning a colleague, is used to describe the collective relationship of the various groups, including the Susanchites, who joined the complaint [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H896}}` **Bablîy** (Babylonian): This identifies the **Babylonians** as another group listed in the same coalition [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H5962}}` **ʻAlmîy** (Elamite): Signifying an inhabitant of Elam, the **Elamites** are another people mentioned in the same list of opponents [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H1784}}` **Dîynay** (Dinaite): This refers to the **Dinaites**, who, like the Susanchites, were a foreign people from an Assyrian province who joined the protest [[Ezra 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H7801}}` is tied directly to its context in the book of Ezra.
* **Political Coalition:** The term helps identify one specific member of a broad political coalition formed to obstruct the Jewish rebuilding efforts. The list in [[Ezra 4:9]] details a multi-ethnic group acting in unison.
* **Assyrian Resettlement:** The presence of the **Susanchites** and other groups like the **Dinaites** `{{H1784}}`, **Tarpelites** `{{H2967}}`, and **Archevites** `{{H756}}` is evidence of the Assyrian policy of transplanting conquered populations into different parts of their empire to consolidate control.
* **Source of Conflict:** By naming the **Susanchites**, the text provides a specific identity for one of the sources of conflict and opposition that the returning Jewish exiles faced as they sought to re-establish their community and temple.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7801}}` **Shûwshankîy** is a highly specific term for a particular group of people known as the Susanchites. Though it appears only once, its placement within [[Ezra 4:9]] is crucial for understanding the historical landscape of post-exilic Israel. It highlights the organized, multi-ethnic opposition that arose from peoples resettled in the region by foreign empires, who viewed the restoration of Jerusalem as a threat to their own standing.
TRV