Sibbechai

Sibbechai — spelled Sibbecai in UPDV — is one of David's warriors, a Hushathite of the Zerahite clan known both as a giant-slayer and as a monthly divisional commander.

The giant-slayer at Gob

In the Philistine wars after David's accession, Sibbecai distinguishes himself by killing one of the descendants of the giant: "And it came to pass after this, that there was again war with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Saph, who was of the sons of the giant" (2 Sam 21:18). The Chronicler's parallel locates the encounter at Gezer and names the same exploit with a variant of the giant's name: "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 the giant; and they were subdued" (1 Chr 20:4).

Among David's mighty men and division-captains

The roll of David's mighty men lists him as one of the company: "Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite" (1 Chr 11:29). He also commands one of the twelve monthly divisions of the standing army: "The eighth [captain] for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand" (1 Chr 27:11). UPDV uniquely reads "Sabeni the Hushathite" at 2 Sa 23:27, a variant spelling of the same man called Mebunnai elsewhere in the tradition and Sibbecai at 2 Sa 21:18, 1 Ch 11:29, 20:4, and 27:11.