perhaps from כּוּשׁ; Cushan, a region of Arabia; Cushan.
Transliteration:Kûwshân
Pronunciation:koo-shawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma כּוּשָׁן (Kûwshân), Strong's number `{{H3572}}`, is a proper noun, almost certainly denoting a geographical region or an ethnic group. Its base definition suggests a probable derivation from כּוּשׁ (Kûwsh, `{{H3568}}`), which typically refers to Cush, or ancient Ethiopia, located south of Egypt. While "Cush" broadly encompasses regions of Northeast Africa, the definition of Kûwshân specifically points to "a region of Arabia." This suggests either a branch or extension of the Cushite people into the Arabian peninsula, or a geographical area known by a related name. As a proper noun, its semantic range is inherently limited to its specific referent, though its connection to Cush implies a broader cultural or genealogical lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כּוּשָׁן (Kûwshân) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Habakkuk:
* [[Habakkuk 3:7]]: "I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian trembled."
In this verse, Cushan is presented in a poetic parallelism with Midian (מִדְיָן, `{{H4080}}`), a well-known region and people in Northwest Arabia, east of the Gulf of Aqaba. The context is Habakkuk's awe-filled prayer and vision (Habakkuk 3) describing the majestic and terrifying advent of Yahweh. The prophet recalls God's mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus and the conquest, where God "marched through the land in fury" ([[Habakkuk 3:12]]). The mention of "the tents of Cushan in affliction" and "the curtains of the land of Midian trembled" serves to illustrate the widespread impact and fearful reverence inspired by God's manifest presence. These regions, likely representing distant or formidable peoples, are depicted as experiencing distress and trembling before the divine warrior. Their inclusion underscores the universal scope of God's power and the overwhelming nature of His theophany, affecting even those beyond the immediate Israelite sphere.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is כּוּשׁ (Kûwsh, `{{H3568}}`), from which כּוּשָׁן (Kûwshân) is likely derived. This connection suggests a link to the broader Cushite peoples, who are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often associated with strength, distance, and sometimes opposition to Israel (e.g., [[Isaiah 18:1]], [[Ezekiel 29:10]]). The geographical extension of Cushan into "a region of Arabia" distinguishes it from the more commonly understood African Cush.
The parallelism with מִדְיָן (Midian, `{{H4080}}`) in [[Habakkuk 3:7]] is also significant. Midianites were historical adversaries of Israel (e.g., [[Numbers 22-25]], [[Judges 6-8]]) but also had early connections to Moses (e.g., [[Exodus 2:15-22]]). Their inclusion alongside Cushan suggests a pairing of peoples or regions that would have been known to the ancient Israelites as experiencing or witnessing God's powerful interventions, whether in judgment or in the display of His might.
Broader concepts related to כּוּשָׁן include:
* **Theophany:** The manifestation of God's presence, often with accompanying natural phenomena and overwhelming power.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's supreme authority and control over all nations and creation.
* **Historical Memory:** The prophet's invocation of past divine acts to bolster faith in future deliverance.
* **Ancient Near Eastern Geography:** Understanding the locations and relationships of various peoples and regions in the biblical world.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of כּוּשָׁן (Kûwshân) in [[Habakkuk 3:7]] contributes significantly to the theological message of God's universal and irresistible power. In Habakkuk's vision of Yahweh's advent, the trembling of the tents of Cushan and the curtains of Midian serves as a powerful testament to the awe-inspiring and terrifying nature of God's presence.
Theologically, Cushan represents a distant, perhaps formidable, non-Israelite nation that nonetheless falls under the sway of Yahweh's majestic power. Its inclusion alongside Midian emphasizes that God's dominion is not limited to Israel or its immediate neighbors but extends to the far reaches of the known world. This underscores God's role as the sovereign Lord of all history and all nations.
Furthermore, the "affliction" and "trembling" of Cushan and Midian highlight the judgment and fear that accompany God's righteous wrath against sin, even as He comes to deliver His people. It is a reminder that the same divine power that saves Israel is also capable of bringing nations to their knees. The reference evokes a sense of cosmic upheaval and universal recognition of God's unmatched might, inspiring both dread in His adversaries and confidence in His faithful.
### Summary
כּוּשָׁן (Kûwshân, `{{H3572}}`) is a proper noun denoting a geographical region in Arabia, likely related to the broader Cushite peoples. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Habakkuk 3:7]], where it is paralleled with Midian. In this context, the "affliction" of Cushan's tents signifies the universal impact and overwhelming terror inspired by God's majestic theophany. Theologically, Cushan's inclusion underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His capacity to bring even distant peoples to tremble before His manifest power, serving as a powerful testament to His universal dominion and the awe-inspiring nature of His divine presence.
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