Hushathites חֻשָׁתִי
A clan or family known for their warriors.
Who is Hushathites in the Bible?
The Hushathites were a clan or family known for producing several of King David's most celebrated warriors, as recorded in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. The most prominent Hushathite was Sibbecai, who is credited with killing Saph, a descendant of the giants (Rephaim), during a battle with the Philistines at Gob (2 Samuel 21:18, 1 Chronicles 20:4). Sibbecai is listed among David's mighty warriors, an elite group of soldiers renowned for exceptional bravery and military skill (2 Samuel 23:27, 1 Chronicles 11:29), and served as commander of the eighth division of David's army, leading troops for one month annually (1 Chronicles 27:11). Another Hushathite, Mebunnai, also appears in the roster of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:27). The Hushathites' significance lies in their crucial role as military leaders and fighters who helped establish and defend David's kingdom during a period marked by conflict with the Philistines and other enemies.
Biography
The Hushathites are mentioned in several passages in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles as a clan or family that produced notable warriors during the reign of King David.
In 2Sa.21.18 and 1Ch.20.4, Sibbecai the Hushathite is credited with killing Saph (or Sippai), one of the descendants of the giants (Rephaim) during a battle with the Philistines at Gob.
Sibbecai the Hushathite is also listed among David's mighty warriors in 2Sa.23.27 and 1Ch.11.29. These mighty warriors were an elite group of soldiers known for their exceptional bravery and military prowess.
In 1Ch.27.11, Sibbecai the Hushathite is mentioned as the leader of the eighth division of David's army, which served the king for one month out of the year.
Another Hushathite, Mebunnai, is mentioned in 2Sa.23.27 as one of David's mighty warriors. However, in the parallel passage in 1Ch.11.29, he is called Sibbecai, suggesting that Mebunnai may have been another name for Sibbecai or a scribal variation.
The Hushathites' repeated mention in the context of David's mighty warriors and military leaders indicates that they were a family or clan known for their skill in battle and their loyalty to the king. Their contributions to David's military success helped to establish and maintain his kingdom.
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 2 verses
- 2 Samuel 21:18
"Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha."
- 2 Samuel 23:27
"Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,"
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 11:29
"Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,"
- 1 Chronicles 20:4
"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."
- 1 Chronicles 27:11
"The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hebrew | חֻשָׁתִי |