Bible Dictionary
Cushi
Cushi means “the Cushite” or “the Ethiopian.” It designates the messenger who reported Absalom’s defeat to David, and also appears as the name of ancestors of Jehudi and the prophet Zephaniah.
Definition
Cushi means “the Cushite” or “the Ethiopian,” and may designate a person of Cushite origin. It is also used as a personal name in references to certain Israelites.
Biblical Usage
The Cushite messenger sent by Joab reported Absalom’s defeat to David. Cushi was also the great-grandfather of Jehudi in Jeremiah’s time and the father of Zephaniah the prophet.
Historical Background
The messenger’s foreign origin is suggested by his unfamiliarity with a shorter route and by the watchman’s failure to recognize him. His knowledge of David was that of a king rather than of a familiar individual.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Properly “the Cushite,” “the Ethiopian,” a man apparently attached to Joab’s person. (2 Samuel 18:21-25,31,32)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ku'-shi: This name represents kushi, (in the original Septuagint Chousei, Chousi), either with or without the article. With the article (so in 2Sa 18:21-32 seven out of eight times, all readings supported by the Septuagint) it simply indicate that the person so designated was of the Cushite people, as in Jer 38:7 ff. Its use without the article has doubtless developed out of the foregoing according to a familiar process. For the Cush of Ps 7, title read "Cushi" with Septuagint.</p><p>(1) The messenger (the Revised Version (British and American) "the Cushite") sent by Joab to acquaint David with the victory over Absalom. That this man was in fact a foreigner is indicated by his ignorance of a shorter path which Ahimaaz took, by his being unrecognized by the watchman who recognizes Ahimaaz, and by his ignorance, as compared with Ahimaaz, of the sentiments of David, whom he knows only as a king and not as a man. 2Sa 18:21 (twice, the second time without the article), 2Sa 18:22,23,11 (twice), 2Sa 18:32 (twice).</p><p>(2) The great-grandfather of Jehudi, a contemporary of Jeremiah (Jer 36:14). The name Jehudi itself ("a man of Judah") is sufficient refutation of the opinion that the use of Cushi as or in lieu of a proper name "seems to show that there were but few Cushites among the Israelites."</p><p>(3) The father of Zephaniah the prophet (Ze 1:1).</p><p>J. Oscar Boyd</p>