Topical Encyclopedia Cushan-Rishathaim is a figure mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:8-10. He is described as a king of Mesopotamia who oppressed the Israelites during the period of the Judges. His name, Cushan-Rishathaim, is often interpreted to mean "Cushan of double wickedness," reflecting his role as an oppressor of God's people.Biblical Context The narrative of Cushan-Rishathaim is set during a time when the Israelites repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites failed to fully drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, leading to their spiritual and moral decline. As a result, God allowed them to be subjugated by surrounding nations as a form of judgment and to bring them to repentance. Oppression by Cushan-Rishathaim Judges 3:8 states, "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, and the Israelites served him for eight years." This verse highlights the divine judgment upon Israel due to their disobedience and idolatry. Cushan-Rishathaim's rule over Israel is characterized by oppression, which lasted for eight years, a period during which the Israelites were subjugated and served him. Deliverance through Othniel In response to the Israelites' cries for help, God raised up Othniel, the son of Kenaz and the younger brother of Caleb, as a deliverer. Judges 3:9-10 records, "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 became Israel’s judge and went to war. The LORD delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who prevailed against him." Othniel's victory over Cushan-Rishathaim marked the first of many deliverances recorded in the Book of Judges. Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, Othniel led Israel to victory, and the land had peace for forty years under his judgeship. Historical and Theological Significance Cushan-Rishathaim's oppression of Israel serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant. The narrative underscores the cyclical nature of Israel's history during the time of the Judges, where periods of peace and prosperity were often followed by apostasy and oppression. The account of Cushan-Rishathaim also highlights God's mercy and faithfulness. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God responded to their cries for help by raising up judges to deliver them. This pattern points to the overarching theme of redemption and the need for a righteous deliverer, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Cultural and Geographical Considerations Cushan-Rishathaim is identified as a king of Aram Naharaim, which is often associated with the region of Mesopotamia, specifically the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This geographical reference situates Cushan-Rishathaim within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern history and highlights the external threats faced by Israel from powerful neighboring regions. In summary, Cushan-Rishathaim's role in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the consequences of disobedience and the enduring mercy of God, who continually seeks to restore His people through appointed deliverers. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUSHAN-RISHATHAIMku'-shan-rish-a-tha'-im (kushan rish`athayim, translated, or rather interpreted, as "man from Cush, he of the twofold crime"; Septuagint Chousarsathaim, the King James Version Chushan-rishathaim): Mentioned in Judges 3:8-10 as a king of Mesopotamia who was chosen by God as his tool to chastise the Israelites for their idolatry. After Joshua's death the children of Israel soon began to affiliate themselves with the heathen peoples among whom they dwelt. This was the fertile source of all their troubles. God delivered ("sold") them into the hands of the heathen. C.-r. is the first whose name is given in this connection. Barring this short passage in Jud nothing is known of the man. Eight years the Israelites were under his dominion, when the Lord raised up a deliverer to them, Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother-the first of the judges. Thesaurus Cushanrishathaim/c/cushanrishathaim.htm - 7k Cushan-rishathaim (2 Occurrences) Cushan (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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