Topical Encyclopedia Chushan-Rishathaim is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Judges as a king of Mesopotamia who oppressed the Israelites. His name, which can be translated as "Cushan of double wickedness," reflects his role as an adversary to the people of Israel during the period of the Judges.Biblical Account The primary account of Chushan-Rishathaim is found in Judges 3:7-11. The narrative describes a time when the Israelites, having settled in the Promised Land, began to do evil in the sight of the LORD by serving the Baals and Asherahs, forsaking the God of their fathers. As a result of their disobedience, the LORD's anger was kindled against Israel, and He allowed them to fall into the hands of Chushan-Rishathaim. Judges 3:8 states: "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Chushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, and the Israelites served him for eight years." This period of subjugation under Chushan-Rishathaim is significant as it marks the first of several cycles of oppression and deliverance experienced by Israel during the time of the Judges. Deliverance through Othniel The oppression by Chushan-Rishathaim prompted the Israelites to cry out to the LORD for deliverance. In response, God raised up Othniel, the son of Kenaz and the younger brother of Caleb, as a judge to deliver them. Judges 3:9-10 recounts: "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 Chushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into his hand, so that Othniel prevailed against him." Othniel's victory over Chushan-Rishathaim brought peace to the land for forty years, highlighting the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the era of the Judges. Historical and Geographical Context Chushan-Rishathaim 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, known for its ancient civilizations, was a significant power center during the time of the Judges. The term "Aram Naharaim" itself means "Aram of the Two Rivers," indicating the geographical location of Chushan-Rishathaim's kingdom. The historical context of Chushan-Rishathaim's rule is not extensively detailed in extrabiblical sources, and his reign is primarily known through the biblical narrative. However, his mention in the Book of Judges serves as a testament to the external threats faced by Israel and the divine intervention that characterized their history. Theological Significance The account of Chushan-Rishathaim underscores several theological themes prevalent in the Book of Judges. It illustrates the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God and the resulting divine judgment. The narrative also emphasizes God's faithfulness and mercy, as He responds to the cries of His people by raising up a deliverer. The empowerment of Othniel by the Spirit of the LORD highlights the divine origin of Israel's deliverance and the role of the judges as instruments of God's salvation. Chushan-Rishathaim's account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of turning away from His commandments. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people. Nave's Topical Index Judges 3:8-10Therefore 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 Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. Nave's Topical Index Library The Nations of the North-East The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Resources Who was Othniel? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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