### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Kûwshan Rishʻâthayim**, represented by `{{H3573}}`, identifies a **Mesopotamian king**. The name itself suggests "Cushan of double wickedness". It appears **4 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the narrative of the book of Judges.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3573}}` is the name of a king from **Mesopotamia** `{{H763}}` used by the Lord as an instrument of judgment. Because the anger `{{H639}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` was hot `{{H2734}}` against Israel `{{H3478}}`, He sold `{{H4376}}` them into the hand `{{H3027}}` of **Chushanrishathaim** [[Judges 3:8]]. The children `{{H1121}}` of Israel served `{{H5647}}` him for eight `{{H8083}}` years `{{H8141}}`. Subsequently, the LORD `{{H3068}}` delivered `{{H5414}}` **Chushanrishathaim** into Israel's hand `{{H3027}}` after the Spirit `{{H7307}}` of the LORD came upon their judge [[Judges 3:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H3573}}`'s appearance is clarified by several key Hebrew words:
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar** (to sell): This word describes the LORD's action of surrendering Israel into the power of this king as a consequence of their sin [[Judges 3:8]]. Its primitive root means "to sell, literally... or figuratively (to surrender)".
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to serve): This term illustrates the consequence of being sold, showing Israel in a state of bondage to **Chushanrishathaim** [[Judges 3:8]]. It is a primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve... (causatively) enslave".
* `{{H5810}}` **ʻâzaz** (to prevail): This verb shows the turning point where Israel's hand, empowered by God, "prevailed" against their oppressor [[Judges 3:10]]. The definition includes "to be stout... prevail, strengthen (self), be strong".
### Theological Significance
The story of **Chushanrishathaim** is theologically significant, establishing a pattern seen throughout the book of Judges.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The appearance of `{{H3573}}` is a direct result of the LORD's `{{H3068}}` anger `{{H639}}` being hot `{{H2734}}` against Israel `{{H3478}}`. The LORD sold `{{H4376}}` His people into the hand `{{H3027}}` of this king from Mesopotamia `{{H763}}` as a consequence of their actions [[Judges 3:8]].
* **Period of Servitude:** The rule of **Chushanrishathaim** represents a period of bondage. The children `{{H1121}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` served `{{H5647}}` him for eight `{{H8083}}` years `{{H8141}}`, highlighting the tangible consequences of turning away from God [[Judges 3:8]].
* **Catalyst for Deliverance:** The oppression under `{{H3573}}` sets the stage for God's deliverance. The LORD `{{H3068}}` raised up a judge for Israel `{{H3478}}` and delivered `{{H5414}}` the enemy king into his hand `{{H3027}}`, demonstrating that God is both the judge and the savior [[Judges 3:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3573}}` is not just a historical name but a figure representing a key theological cycle. As **Chushanrishathaim**, the king of Mesopotamia `{{H763}}`, he embodies the foreign oppression that results from Israel's sin. His subjugation of Israel [[Judges 3:8]] and subsequent defeat by a God-appointed judge [[Judges 3:10]] illustrates the pattern of divine judgment and redemption that defines the era.
TRV