Lives of Scripture

Cushan-rishathaim, king of Aram-naharaim ("Aram of the two rivers," likely in upper Mesopotamia), is the first foreign oppressor named in the book of Judges. After Joshua's generation died, Israel "did evil in the sight of the LORD" by abandoning Him for the Baals and Asheroth of the surrounding peoples (Judges 3:7). In response, "the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia; and the sons of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years" (3:8, NASB). Scripture records no specific battle or conquest narrative for Cushan-rishathaim -- only that his eight-year domination was itself God's disciplinary judgment on Israel's idolatry. When the Israelites finally "cried out to the LORD," God raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger relative, as Israel's first judge-deliverer: "the Spirit of the LORD came upon him... and the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim" (3:9-10). The land then had rest for forty years (3:11). Cushan-rishathaim's account is brief but establishes the pattern that will repeat throughout Judges: Israel's sin leads to oppression, their cry for help leads to a Spirit-empowered deliverer, and deliverance leads to a period of peace -- until the cycle begins again.