Topical Encyclopedia Cushan is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the poetic and prophetic literature, and is often associated with the region of Cush or the people of Cushites. The term appears in the context of ancient Near Eastern geography and biblical history, and it is important to understand its significance within the biblical narrative.Biblical References: 1. Habakkuk 3:7 : "I saw the tents of Cushan in distress; the curtains of Midian were trembling." This verse is part of a theophany, a divine appearance, where the prophet Habakkuk describes a vision of God's power and majesty. The mention of Cushan alongside Midian suggests a geographical and possibly a cultural connection between these regions. The imagery of tents and curtains indicates a nomadic lifestyle, which was characteristic of many ancient Near Eastern peoples. 2. Judges 3:8-10 : While the term "Cushan" itself does not appear in this passage, it is relevant to note the mention of "Cushan-Rishathaim," a king of Mesopotamia, whom God used to oppress Israel as a consequence of their disobedience. "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, and the Israelites served him eight years. But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, as a deliverer to save them." This narrative highlights the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. Geographical and Historical Context: Cushan is often associated with the land of Cush, which is traditionally identified with regions south of Egypt, including parts of modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. However, the specific mention of Cushan in Habakkuk suggests a broader or different geographical understanding, possibly linked to the Arabian Peninsula or regions closer to Midian. The association with Cushan-Rishathaim in Judges suggests a connection to Mesopotamia, indicating that the term "Cushan" might have been used to describe different regions or peoples at different times, depending on the context. This reflects the complex and interconnected nature of ancient Near Eastern cultures and the fluidity of territorial boundaries. Cultural and Theological Significance: The mention of Cushan in the Bible serves to illustrate the broader reach of God's sovereignty and the interconnectedness of the nations surrounding Israel. The distress of Cushan's tents in Habakkuk's vision symbolizes the universal impact of God's power and judgment, extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations. In the context of Judges, the oppression by Cushan-Rishathaim serves as a reminder of Israel's vulnerability when they turn away from God. It underscores the theme of divine retribution and mercy, as God allows foreign powers to discipline His people, yet remains faithful to deliver them when they repent. Overall, Cushan represents both a geographical entity and a theological concept, illustrating the reach of God's influence and the recurring themes of judgment and redemption in the biblical narrative. Smith's Bible Dictionary Cushan(blackness), (Habakkuk 3:7) possibly the same as Cushan-rishathaim (Authorized Version Chushan-) king of Mesopotamia. (Judges 3:8,10) Easton's Bible Dictionary Probably a poetic or prolonged name of the land of Cush, the Arabian Cush (Habakkuk 3:7). Some have, however, supposed this to be the same as Chushan-rishathaim (Judges 3:8, 10), i.e., taking the latter part of the name as a title or local appellation, Chushan "of the two iniquities" (= oppressing Israel, and provoking them to idolatry), a Mesopotamian king, identified by Rawlinson with Asshur-ris-ilim (the father of Tiglathpileser I.); but incorrectly, for the empire of Assyria was not yet founded. He held Israel in bondage for eight years. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUSHANkushan: In the psalm of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:7) "the tents of Cushan" are mentioned in an individualizing description of the effects of a theophany. Parallel is the phrase "the curtains of the land of Midian." Septuagint renders Cushan, kushan, by Aithiopon, reading perhaps kushim, or kushin (kushin). The context indicates that the same land or people is intended as the Old Testament elsewhere calls Cush, yet vaguely and not in any strict geographical usage that would limit it to Africa. Strong's Hebrew 3573. Kushan Rishathayim -- king of Aram-naharaim... king of Aram-naharaim. Transliteration: Kushan Rishathayim Phonetic Spelling: (koo-shan' rish-aw-thah'-yim) Short Definition: Cushan-rishathaim. ... /hebrew/3573.htm - 6k 3572. Kushan -- a region of Arabia Library The Bible Habakkuk's Rhapsody of the Chaldeans The Prophet --His Youth and his Call. Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. The Historical Books. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Thesaurus Cushan (3 Occurrences)...CUSHAN. kushan: In the psalm of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:7) "the tents of Cushan" are mentioned in an individualizing description of the effects of a theophany. ... /c/cushan.htm - 8k Cushan-rishathaim (2 Occurrences) Rishathaim (2 Occurrences) Mesopotamia (8 Occurrences) Aram (130 Occurrences) Othniel (7 Occurrences) Naharaim (5 Occurrences) Prevailed (46 Occurrences) Cushanrishathaim Aram-naharaim (5 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Cushites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Othniel? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cushan (3 Occurrences)Judges 3:8 Judges 3:10 Habakkuk 3:7 Subtopics Related Terms Cushan-rishathaim (2 Occurrences) Cu'shan-rishatha'Im (2 Occurrences) Chushanrishathaim (2 Occurrences) |
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