Cushan-rishathaim
maleJudgesMeaning: “Cushan of double wickedness”
The Mesopotamian king who first oppressed Israel in the days of the judges, for eight years, until Othniel delivered them.
Biography
Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Aram-naharaim), was the first foreign oppressor in the period of the judges. When Israel did evil and forgot the LORD, "he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim... and the children of Israel served [him] eight years" (Judges 3:8).
Defeated by Othniel
When Israel cried out, God raised up Othniel, Caleb's kinsman, as the first judge. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, "and the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim... into his hand," after which the land had rest forty years (Judges 3:9–11). His name — which means roughly "Cushan of double wickedness" — fittingly opens the recurring cycle of oppression and deliverance.
Life Timeline
Defeated by Othniel after eight years of oppression
On the Bible timeline
Cushan-rishathaim belongs to the The Exodus & Wilderness era (c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late)).
- c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late)The Exodus from Egypt
- c. 1446 BCThe Law Given at Sinai
- c. 1406 BCThe Conquest of Canaan
Themes & lessons from Cushan-rishathaim
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Cushan-rishathaim appears.
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookJudges2 verses
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 Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. Mesopotamia: Heb. Aramnaharaim
Judges 3:10
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. came: Heb. was Mesopotamia: Heb. Aram
Frequently asked about Cushan-rishathaim
Who was Cushan-rishathaim in the Bible?
The Mesopotamian king who first oppressed Israel in the days of the judges, for eight years, until Othniel delivered them.
What does the name Cushan-rishathaim mean?
The name Cushan-rishathaim means “Cushan of double wickedness”.
What did Cushan-rishathaim do in the Bible?
Cushan-rishathaim served as king of mesopotamia.
Where does Cushan-rishathaim appear in the Bible?
Cushan-rishathaim is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Judges.
What can we learn from Cushan-rishathaim?
The story of Cushan-rishathaim touches on themes of mesopotamia, othniel, alliance and society with the enemies of god, amorites — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Cushan-rishathaim's life.
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