Chushanrishathaim is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. He is identified as a king of Mesopotamia who played a significant role during the early period of the Judges in Israel's history. His name, Chushanrishathaim, is often interpreted to mean "Chushan of double wickedness," reflecting his oppressive rule over the Israelites.

Biblical Account

The primary biblical reference to Chushanrishathaim is found in Judges 3:8-10. According to the text, the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, which led to their subjugation under Chushanrishathaim. The Berean Standard Bible states:

> "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Chushanrishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, and the Israelites served him for eight years. But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, as a deliverer to save them. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Aram into his hand, so that Othniel prevailed against him."

This passage highlights the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. Chushanrishathaim's oppression is depicted as a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience to God.

Historical and Geographical Context

Chushanrishathaim is described as the king of Aram Naharaim, which is often identified with the region of Mesopotamia, specifically the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This region was known for its ancient civilizations and was a significant power center during the time of the Judges.

The historical context suggests that Chushanrishathaim's rule over Israel was part of a broader pattern of foreign domination during this era. The Israelites, having settled in the Promised Land, frequently faced threats from surrounding nations due to their failure to fully obey God's commands and remove the pagan influences from the land.

Theological Significance

The account of Chushanrishathaim serves as a theological lesson on the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God remains merciful and raises up deliverers, such as Othniel, to restore His people.

Othniel's victory over Chushanrishathaim is significant as it marks the first recorded instance of a judge delivering Israel. This sets a precedent for the subsequent judges who would arise to lead and deliver Israel from various oppressors. The empowerment of Othniel by the Spirit of the LORD underscores the divine origin of his leadership and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations.

Legacy

Chushanrishathaim's brief mention in the Bible leaves a lasting impression as a symbol of foreign oppression and the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. His defeat by Othniel is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His covenant people and His willingness to intervene on their behalf when they turn back to Him in repentance.Chushanrishathaim

(chief of two governments), the king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel during eight years in the generation immediately following Joshua. (Judges 3:8) (B.C. after 1420.) His yoke was broken from the neck of the people of Israel by Othniel, Caleb's nephew. (Judges 3:10)

Cush of double wickedness, or governor of two presidencies, the king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel in the generation immediately following Joshua (Judges 3:8). We learn from the Tell-el-Amarna tablets that Palestine had been invaded by the forces of Aram-naharaim (A.V., "Mesopotamia") more than once, long before the Exodus, and that at the time they were written the king of Aram-naharaim was still intriguing in Canaan. It is mentioned among the countries which took part in the attack upon Egypt in the reign of Rameses III. (of the Twentieth Dynasty), but as its king is not one of the princes stated to have been conquered by the Pharaoh, it would seem that he did not actually enter Egypt. As the reign of Rameses III. corresponds with the Israelitish occupation of Canaan, it is probable that the Egyptian monuments refer to the oppression of the Israelites by Chushan-rishathaim. Canaan was still regarded as a province of Egypt, so that, in attacking it Chushan-rishathaim would have been considered to be attacking Egypt. CHUSHAN-RISHATHAIM

ku-shan-rish-a-tha'-im.

See CUSHAN-RISHATHAIM.

Chushanrishathaim (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHUSHAN-RISHATHAIM. ku-shan-rish-a-tha'-im. See
CUSHAN-RISHATHAIM. Multi-Version Concordance Chushanrishathaim (2 Occurrences) ...
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Chushan-rishathaim (2 Occurrences)
Chushan-rishathaim. Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim. Chusi . Easton's
Bible Dictionary ... (WBS YLT). Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim. Chusi . ...
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Churning (4 Occurrences)

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Hot (49 Occurrences)
... Judges 3:8 Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them
into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of ...
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