Bible Dictionary
CUSHAN-RISHATHAIM
Cushan-rishathaim was a king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel for eight years after the people turned to idolatry. God raised up Othniel as Israel’s deliverer during the period of the judges.
Definition
Cushan-rishathaim was a king of Mesopotamia who dominated Israel for eight years during the period of the judges.
Biblical Usage
After Israel turned to idolatry, God delivered the people into his power as chastisement. The Lord then raised up Othniel, son of Kenaz and Caleb’s younger brother, as Israel’s first deliverer among the judges.
Historical Background
Apart from the short account in Judges, nothing is known of this ruler. His name is interpreted as “man from Cush, he of the twofold crime.”
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ku'-shan-rish-a-tha'-im (kushan rish`athayim, translated, or rather interpreted, as "man from Cush, he of the twofold crime"; Septuagint Chousarsathaim, the King James Version Chushan-rishathaim): Mentioned in Jud 3:8-10 as a king of Mesopotamia who was chosen by God as his tool to chastise the Israelites for their idolatry. After Joshua's death the children of Israel soon began to affiliate themselves with the heathen peoples among whom they dwelt. This was the fertile source of all their troubles. God delivered ("sold") them into the hands of the heathen. C.-r. is the first whose name is given in this connection. Barring this short passage in Jud nothing is known of the man. Eight years the Israelites were under his dominion, when the Lord raised up a deliverer to them, Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother--the first of the judges.</p><p>William Baur</p>