The Sukkiims are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the invasion of Judah by Shishak, the king of Egypt. The reference to the Sukkiims is found in 2 Chronicles 12:3, where they are listed among the forces that accompanied Shishak during his campaign against Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah.

Biblical Reference:

2 Chronicles 12:2-3 : "In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkiims, and Cushites."

Historical Context:

The Sukkiims are mentioned alongside the Libyans and Cushites, indicating that they were part of a coalition of forces that Shishak mobilized for his military campaign. The exact identity and origin of the Sukkiims are not clearly defined in the biblical text, and they are not frequently mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures. Some scholars suggest that the Sukkiims may have been a nomadic or semi-nomadic people from the region of North Africa, possibly associated with the Libyan tribes.

Role in Shishak's Invasion:

The invasion led by Shishak occurred during a period of political instability and religious apostasy in Judah. Rehoboam, having forsaken the law of the LORD, faced divine judgment through this foreign incursion. The presence of the Sukkiims in Shishak's army underscores the formidable nature of the Egyptian force, which was composed of various ethnic groups and mercenaries.

Shishak's campaign resulted in the plundering of Jerusalem and the temple treasures, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 12:9 : "So Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made."

Theological Significance:

The mention of the Sukkiims in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The invasion by Shishak, with the Sukkiims as part of his forces, was a direct result of Judah's unfaithfulness. This event highlights the theme of divine retribution and the importance of covenant faithfulness, which is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament.

The inclusion of diverse groups like the Sukkiims in the biblical account also reflects the historical reality of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where alliances and coalitions were common. The narrative emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to use even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes and bring His people back to repentance.2 Chronicles 12:3
With twelve hundred chariots, and three score thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.
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