Topical Encyclopedia The Sukkiims are mentioned in the Bible in the context of King Shishak's invasion of Judah during the reign of King Rehoboam. The primary reference to the Sukkiims is found in 2 Chronicles 12:3, which states: "With twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkiim, and Cushites—he captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem" .Historical Context The Sukkiims are listed among the various groups that composed the army of Shishak, the Pharaoh of Egypt, who invaded Judah around 926 B.C. This event occurred during the early years of the divided monarchy, shortly after the death of Solomon and the subsequent division of the united kingdom into Israel and Judah. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, was ruling over Judah at the time. Identity and Origin The exact identity and origin of the Sukkiims are not definitively known, as they are mentioned only once in the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that the Sukkiims were a nomadic or semi-nomadic people, possibly dwelling in the region of North Africa. Their inclusion alongside the Libyans and Cushites in the biblical account suggests they may have been part of the broader ethnic and cultural milieu of ancient northeastern Africa. Role in Shishak's Campaign The Sukkiims, along with the Libyans and Cushites, were part of the formidable military force that Shishak assembled to assert Egyptian dominance over the region and to capitalize on the political instability following the division of the Israelite kingdom. The campaign is noted for its success in capturing fortified cities in Judah and reaching as far as Jerusalem, where Shishak plundered the treasures of the temple and the royal palace. Biblical Significance The mention of the Sukkiims in the Bible highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where various ethnic groups and nations often played roles in the power struggles between larger empires. The invasion by Shishak is seen as a divine judgment against Rehoboam and the people of Judah for their unfaithfulness to the covenant with God, as described in 2 Chronicles 12:2: "Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem" . Cultural and Archaeological Insights While the Bible provides limited information about the Sukkiims, archaeological and historical studies of the period offer insights into the interactions between Egypt and its neighboring regions. The presence of diverse groups in Shishak's army reflects the complex alliances and vassal relationships that characterized the ancient world. The campaign itself is corroborated by Egyptian records, including the reliefs at the Karnak Temple, which depict Shishak's conquests in Canaan. In summary, the Sukkiims, though briefly mentioned, are part of the broader narrative of God's dealings with His people and the surrounding nations, illustrating the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the intricate tapestry of ancient Near Eastern history. Easton's Bible Dictionary Dwellers in tents, (Vulg. and LXX., "troglodites;" i.e., cave-dwellers in the hills along the Red Sea). Shiskak's army, with which he marched against Jerusalem, was composed partly of this tribe (2 Chronicles 12:3). Strong's Hebrew 5525. Sukkiyyim -- Sukkiims... 5524, 5525. Sukkiyyim. 5526 . Sukkiims. Transliteration: Sukkiyyim Phonetic Spelling: (sook-kee') Short Definition: Sukkiim. ... Sukkiims. ... /hebrew/5525.htm - 6k Thesaurus Sukkiims (1 Occurrence)... Chronicles 12:3). Multi-Version Concordance Sukkiims (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore ... /s/sukkiims.htm - 7k Lubims (2 Occurrences) Cushites (10 Occurrences) Sukkites (1 Occurrence) Suk'ki-im (1 Occurrence) Threescore (87 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Sukkiims (1 Occurrence)2 Chronicles 12:3 Subtopics Sukkiims: Invaded Judah With Shishak Related Terms |
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