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.
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.
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.
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.
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