Sippai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the battles between the Israelites and the Philistines. He is noted for his formidable stature and is identified as one of the descendants of the giants, a group that posed significant challenges to the Israelites during their conquest and settlement in the Promised Land.

Biblical Reference:

Sippai is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 20:4, which states: "Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time, Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued."

Context and Significance:

1. Lineage and Identity:
· Sippai is identified as a descendant of the Rephaim, a term used in the Old Testament to describe a race of giants. The Rephaim are often associated with the Anakim and other giant clans that inhabited the land of Canaan before and during the Israelite conquest.

2. The Philistine Threat:
· The Philistines were one of the primary adversaries of Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. They were known for their military prowess and their advanced weaponry, which included iron chariots and armor.

3. Role in the Battles:
· The account of Sippai's defeat is part of a larger narrative detailing the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. These battles were crucial in establishing Israel's dominance in the region and fulfilling God's promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham.

4. Sibbecai the Hushathite:
· The slayer of Sippai, Sibbecai the Hushathite, was one of King David's mighty warriors. His victory over Sippai is a testament to the valor and strength of David's men, who were instrumental in securing Israel's borders and ensuring the nation's safety.

5. Theological Implications:
· The defeat of Sippai and other giants by the Israelites is often seen as a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness. Despite the physical might of their enemies, the Israelites were able to overcome them through divine assistance and the leadership of faithful warriors.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

· The presence of giants in the biblical narrative has intrigued scholars and theologians, leading to various interpretations regarding their origins and significance. Some view them as literal descendants of a race of giants, while others consider them symbolic of the overwhelming challenges faced by the Israelites.
· The account of Sippai and similar narratives highlight the importance of faith and reliance on God in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These accounts served to encourage the Israelites and later generations to trust in God's promises and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies.

Sippai's mention in the Bible, though brief, contributes to the larger tapestry of Israel's history and God's ongoing relationship with His chosen people. His defeat underscores the theme of divine victory over human strength and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.Sippai

threshold; silver cup

Sippai

(threshold), Saph, one of the sons of Rephaim, or "the giants," slain by Sibbechai at Gezer. (1 Chronicles 20:4) (B.C. about 1050.)

SIPPAI

sip'-i, si-pa'-i.

See SAPH.

5598. Sippay -- a Philistine
... 5597, 5598. Sippay. 5599 . a Philistine. Transliteration: Sippay Phonetic
Spelling: (sip-pah'-ee) Short Definition: Sippai. ... Sippai. ...
/hebrew/5598.htm - 6kSippai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SIPPAI. sip'-i, si-pa'-i. See SAPH.
Multi-Version Concordance Sippai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/sippai.htm - 6k

Sip'pai (1 Occurrence)
Sip'pai. Sippai, Sip'pai. Sir . Multi-Version Concordance Sip'pai (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Sippai, Sip'pai. Sir . Reference Bible.
/s/sip'pai.htm - 6k

Saph (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Extension, the son of the giant whom Sibbechai slew
(2 Samuel 21:18); called also Sippai (1 Chronicles 20:4). Int. ...
/s/saph.htm - 7k

Giant (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 20:4 It happened after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the
Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the ...
/g/giant.htm - 9k

Rephaites (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 20:4 Now after this there was war with the Philistines at Gezer; then
Sibbecai the Hushathite put to death Sippai, one of the offspring of the ...
/r/rephaites.htm - 9k

Rapha (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 20:4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer
with the Philistines; then Sibbechai the Hushathite smote Sippai, one of the ...
/r/rapha.htm - 10k

Siphmoth (1 Occurrence)

/s/siphmoth.htm - 7k

Sib'becai (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 20:4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer
with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of ...
/s/sib'becai.htm - 7k

Sibbecai (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 20:4 It happened after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the
Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the ...
/s/sibbecai.htm - 8k

Sibbechai (4 Occurrences)
... 20:4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines;
at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the ...
/s/sibbechai.htm - 8k

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