### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kûwshân**, represented by `{{H3572}}`, is understood to be **Cushan**, a region of Arabia. The name is perhaps derived from כּוּשׁ. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single appearance highly specific in its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H3572}}` is found in a vision recorded by the prophet Habakkuk. The verse states, "I saw the tents of **Cushan** in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble" [[Habakkuk 3:7]]. In this dramatic portrayal of God's power, Cushan is seen in a state of distress, poetically paralleled with the trembling of its neighbor, Midian. The context places Cushan among the nations that are shaken by the manifestation of divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The singular occurrence of `{{H3572}}` is illuminated by the words surrounding it in the text:
* `{{H205}}` **ʼâven** (affliction): This word signifies trouble, vanity, and wickedness. In [[Habakkuk 3:7]], it describes Cushan's state as one of "affliction." It is also used to denote moral corruption, as when rebellion is compared to "iniquity and idolatry" [[1 Samuel 15:23]].
* `{{H168}}` **ʼôhel** (a tent): As the dwelling place of Cushan, the "tent" is a symbol of its people and home. This word is used throughout scripture to refer to a dwelling, from a physical home to the sacred "tabernacle" of the LORD [[Psalms 15:1]].
* `{{H4080}}` **Midyân** (Midian): The direct pairing of Cushan with Midian is significant. Midian, a descendant of Abraham, is often depicted as an adversary to Israel, as seen when Gideon laments that the LORD had delivered Israel "into the hands of the Midianites" [[Judges 6:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3572}}` is derived entirely from its context within Habakkuk's vision of God's power.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The affliction of Cushan serves as evidence of God's supreme authority over all nations. The vision shows that even established regions tremble `{{H7264}}` and are brought to distress before the might of the LORD, a theme echoed when the hills "did tremble" at His anger [[Isaiah 5:25]].
* **Judgment on Nations:** Cushan is seen "in affliction" `{{H205}}`, a word tied to iniquity. This suggests that the distress is not random but a consequence of divine judgment, reflecting a broader biblical principle that God holds all peoples accountable.
* **Symbol of Opposition:** By being placed alongside Midian, a historical opponent of Israel, Cushan functions as a representative of the forces that stand in opposition to God's purposes. Their shared trembling signifies the inevitable collapse of all such opposition in the face of God's righteous power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3572}}` **Kûwshân** is a name for a specific region whose biblical importance is concentrated in a single, powerful image. Its appearance in [[Habakkuk 3:7]] is not merely geographical but deeply theological, used to illustrate the overwhelming power of God. Paired with Midian, the affliction of Cushan's tents serves as a vivid symbol of God's sovereignty and righteous judgment over all the earth.
TRV