The Sucathites are a group mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribe of Judah. The reference to the Sucathites can be found in 1 Chronicles 2:55, which states: "The clans of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab."

Historical Context

The Sucathites are identified as one of the clans of scribes residing in Jabez, a location associated with the tribe of Judah. The mention of scribes indicates that the Sucathites were likely involved in the important task of recording and preserving documents, laws, and genealogies, which was a crucial role in maintaining the cultural and religious heritage of Israel.

Genealogical Significance

The Sucathites are listed alongside the Tirathites and the Shimeathites, and they are collectively described as Kenites. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe with historical ties to the Midianites and are often associated with Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, who was a priest of Midian. This connection suggests that the Sucathites, like other Kenite groups, may have integrated into Israelite society while maintaining distinct cultural or familial identities.

Cultural and Religious Role

As scribes, the Sucathites would have played a significant role in the religious and administrative life of ancient Israel. Scribes were responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures, ensuring the accurate transmission of God's laws and commandments. Their work would have been essential for teaching and guiding the people in their covenant relationship with God.

Connection to the Rechabites

The passage in 1 Chronicles 2:55 also links the Sucathites to the house of Rechab. The Rechabites are noted in the Bible for their strict adherence to a nomadic lifestyle and abstention from wine, as commanded by their ancestor Jonadab son of Rechab (Jeremiah 35). This connection may indicate that the Sucathites shared similar values or were influenced by the Rechabite tradition of faithfulness and obedience to ancestral commands.

Conclusion

While the Sucathites are not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, their inclusion in the genealogical records highlights their role within the broader community of Israel. As part of the scribal class, they contributed to the preservation and dissemination of the sacred texts, playing a vital part in the spiritual life of the nation. Their association with the Kenites and the house of Rechab further underscores the diverse and interconnected nature of the tribes and clans within ancient Israel.SUCATHITES

su'kath-its (sukhathim; Codex Vaticanus Sochathieim; Codex Alexandrinus Sokathieim; the King James Version Suchathites): These are named only once (1 Chronicles 2:55), a family of scribes living at Jabez.

7756. Sukathim -- a family of scribes
... 7755, 7756. Sukathim. 7757 . a family of scribes. Transliteration: Sukathim
Phonetic Spelling: (soo-kaw-thee') Short Definition: Sucathites. ...
/hebrew/7756.htm - 6kSucathites (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SUCATHITES. su'kath-its ... Jabez. Multi-Version
Concordance Sucathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/sucathites.htm - 7k

Tirathites (1 Occurrence)
... The three families mentioned in this verse (Tirathites, Shimathites and Sucathites)
are taken by Jerome to be three different classes of religious functionaries ...
/t/tirathites.htm - 7k

Shimeathites (1 Occurrence)
... commorantes. The Targum has a similar explanation, except that the "Sucathites"
are those "covered" with a spirit of prophecy. Bertheau ...
/s/shimeathites.htm - 8k

Su'cathites (1 Occurrence)
... Sucathites, Su'cathites. Succeed . ... 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes
who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/su'cathites.htm - 6k

Ken'ites (6 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez:
the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These ...
/k/ken'ites.htm - 8k

Jabez (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jabez (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families
of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/j/jabez.htm - 8k

Ti'rathites (1 Occurrence)
... Ti'rathites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 The families of scribes who lived
at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/t/ti'rathites.htm - 6k

Recab (12 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez:
the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These ...
/r/recab.htm - 10k

Soco (3 Occurrences)
... The Sucathites (1 Chronicles 2:55) were probably inhabitants of Soco. (2) A city
of Judah in the South, associated (Joshua 15:48) with Shamir and Jattir. ...
/s/soco.htm - 10k

Shim'e-athites (1 Occurrence)
... Shim'e-athites (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:55 And the families of scribes that
dwelt at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. ...
/s/shim'e-athites.htm - 6k

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