In today's world, Cushan-rishathaim is a topic that interests a large number of people. Whether due to its relevance in society, or its impact on people's daily lives, Cushan-rishathaim continues to generate debates and discussions in different areas. From its origin to its possible consequences, Cushan-rishathaim has maintained the interest of academics, experts, and the general public. In this article, we will explore the different facets of Cushan-rishathaim, analyzing its importance, its implications and its evolution over time.
| Cushan-rishathaim | |
|---|---|
| King of Aram-Naharaim | |
According to biblical sources, Cushan-rishathaim (Hebrew: כּוּשַׁן רִשְׁעָתַיִם Kūšan Riš‘āṯayim, "twice-evil Kushite") was king of Aram-Naharaim, or Northwest Mesopotamia, and the first oppressor of the Israelites after their settlement in Canaan. In the Book of Judges, God delivers the Israelites into his hand for eight years (Judges 3:8) as a punishment for polytheism. However, when the people of Israel "called to Jehovah", He saved them through Othniel, son of Kenaz (Judges 3:9).
Scholars have proposed several explanations for Biblical accounts related to this ruler.[1]
'Cushan' or 'Chushan' may indicate Cushite origins. 'Rishathaim' means 'double-wickedness'("resha" רשע - "evil" or "wickedness" + "im" יים - doubling suffix). The latter was most likely a pejorative appellation used by his Hebrew foes, rather than what this King called himself. Use of it may indicate that the Hebrews had concrete reasons to bear him a grudge, beyond the meager information given in the surviving Biblical text.[2]