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.
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.
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".
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.
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