### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kûwshîy**, represented by `{{H3569}}`, is used to identify a **Cushite, or descendant of Cush**. It appears 23 times in 19 unique verses and is translated as Cushi, Cushite, or Ethiopian. The term functions both as a personal name and as a descriptor for a nation located south of Egypt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3569}}` appears in several distinct contexts. It is used as the proper name **Cushi**, a messenger sent by Joab `{{H3097}}` to inform King David of the outcome of the battle against Absalom [[2 Samuel 18:21]]. Cushi delivers the tidings `{{H1319}}` that the LORD `{{H3068}}` has avenged `{{H8199}}` the king [[2 Samuel 18:31]]. More frequently, it refers to the **Ethiopians** as a people. They are often depicted as a formidable military power, possessing a huge `{{H7230}}` host `{{H2428}}` with many chariots `{{H7393}}` and horsemen `{{H6571}}` [[2 Chronicles 16:8]]. A notable individual is Ebed-melech `{{H5663}}` the Ethiopian `{{H3569}}`, a eunuch `{{H5631}}` in the king's `{{H4428}}` house `{{H1004}}` who courageously rescues the prophet Jeremiah `{{H3414}}` from a dungeon `{{H953}}` [[Jeremiah 38:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several figures and groups are directly associated with `{{H3569}}`:
* `{{H5663}}` **Ebed Melek** (servant of a king): This eunuch `{{H5631}}` is explicitly identified as "Ebedmelech the Ethiopian" `{{H3569}}`. He demonstrates great compassion and is promised deliverance by God for his actions toward Jeremiah `{{H3414}}` [[Jeremiah 39:16]].
* `{{H2226}}` **Zerach** (Zerach): He is introduced as "Zerah the Ethiopian" `{{H3569}}`, the leader of a massive army of a thousand `{{H505}}` thousand `{{H505}}` soldiers that came `{{H3318}}` to fight against King Asa `{{H609}}` [[2 Chronicles 14:9]].
* `{{H3864}}` **Lûwbîy** (a Libyan): The Libyans are frequently mentioned alongside the Ethiopians `{{H3569}}`, particularly as part of large foreign armies or in prophetic contexts concerning the nations ([[2 Chronicles 12:3]], [[2 Chronicles 16:8]], [[Daniel 11:43]]).
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): In a challenge to Israel's special status, the LORD `{{H3068}}` equates His bringing Israel `{{H3478}}` from Egypt `{{H4714}}` with His bringing the Philistines `{{H6430}}` from Caphtor `{{H3731}}`, immediately after comparing Israel to the children `{{H1121}}` of the Ethiopians `{{H3569}}` [[Amos 9:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3569}}` is multifaceted, touching on themes of sin, sovereignty, and faith.
* **Metaphor for Inherent Sin:** The prophet Jeremiah poses the rhetorical question, "Can the Ethiopian `{{H3569}}` change `{{H2015}}` his skin `{{H5785}}`?" to illustrate how deeply ingrained and seemingly unchangeable Israel's habit of doing evil `{{H7489}}` had become [[Jeremiah 13:23]].
* **Symbol of Divine Sovereignty:** God uses the Ethiopians to challenge Israel's perception of its own uniqueness. By asking, "Are ye not as children `{{H1121}}` of the Ethiopians `{{H3569}}` unto me, O children `{{H1121}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`?" [[Amos 9:7]], God asserts His sovereign power and concern over all nations, not just His covenant people.
* **Demonstration of God's Power:** The defeat of the massive Ethiopian army under Zerah `{{H2226}}` serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to deliver His people. The narrative emphasizes that because King Asa `{{H609}}` relied `{{H8172}}` on the LORD `{{H3068}}`, God delivered `{{H5414}}` the huge `{{H7230}}` host `{{H2428}}` into his hand `{{H3027}}` [[2 Chronicles 16:8]].
* **Example of Gentile Faith:** The actions of Ebed-melech the Ethiopian stand in stark contrast to the faithlessness of Judah's officials. This foreigner showed greater righteousness and trust in God, leading the LORD `{{H3068}}` to promise his personal salvation from the city's destruction [[Jeremiah 39:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3569}}` **Kûwshîy** is a term that encompasses both an individual, Cushi, and a nation, the Ethiopians. While often portrayed as a powerful and distant gentile force against which God demonstrates His might, the word also carries significant theological weight. It is used metaphorically to describe the nature of sin, to assert God's sovereignty over all peoples, and, through the figure of Ebed-melech, to provide a powerful example of how individual faith and righteousness are valued by God regardless of national origin.
TRV