The term "Cushim" refers to the descendants of Cush, the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, as outlined in the genealogies of the Bible. Cush is traditionally associated with the region south of Egypt, often identified with modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. The Cushites, or Cushim, are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their interactions with the Israelites and their role in biblical history.

Genealogy and Early References

Cush is first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:6-8: "The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on the earth." . This passage establishes Cush as a progenitor of several nations and highlights Nimrod, a significant figure known for his kingdom in Babel.

Geographical and Historical Context

The land of Cush is frequently associated with regions south of Egypt, often linked to the areas around the Nile River extending into Africa. Isaiah 18:1-2 describes Cush as a land "beyond the rivers of Cush," indicating its geographical expanse. The Cushites were known for their distinct culture and military prowess, as seen in various biblical accounts.

Interactions with Israel

The Cushites appear in several narratives involving the Israelites. In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, Zerah the Cushite leads a vast army against King Asa of Judah. Asa's reliance on the LORD results in a decisive victory over the Cushites, demonstrating God's power and protection over His people. This event underscores the recurring theme of divine intervention in Israel's battles.

Prophetic References

The prophets often mention Cush in their oracles, sometimes as a symbol of distant lands or as part of God's judgment against the nations. For instance, in Isaiah 11:11, Cush is listed among the places from which the LORD will gather the remnant of His people: "On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea." . This inclusion signifies the widespread reach of God's redemptive plan.

Cushite Individuals

Several individuals of Cushite descent are noted in the Bible. One prominent figure is the Cushite wife of Moses, mentioned in Numbers 12:1. Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, leading to God's defense of Moses and the subsequent punishment of Miriam. This incident highlights themes of divine authority and the acceptance of diverse peoples within God's covenant community.

Symbolism and Legacy

Cush and the Cushites often symbolize the far-reaching scope of God's sovereignty and the inclusivity of His kingdom. In Psalm 68:31, the psalmist declares, "Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God." . This imagery portrays a future where nations, including Cush, acknowledge and worship the God of Israel.

The Cushim, as descendants of Cush, represent a significant lineage within the biblical narrative, illustrating the interconnectedness of nations and the unfolding of God's purposes throughout history. Their presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the diverse tapestry of humanity and the overarching plan of redemption that encompasses all peoples.Cushim (8 Occurrences)

2 Chronicles 12:3
with a thousand and two hundred chariots, and with sixty thousand horsemen, and there is no number to the people who have come with him out of Egypt -- Lubim, Sukkiim, and Cushim --
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 14:12
And Jehovah smiteth the Cushim before Asa, and before Judah, and the Cushim flee,
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 14:13
and Asa and the people who 'are' with him pursue them even to Gerar, and there fall of the Cushim, for they have no preserving, because they have been broken before Jehovah, and before His camp; and they bear away very much spoil,
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 16:8
Did not the Cushim and the Lubim become a very great force for multitude, for chariot, and for horsemen? and in thy leaning on Jehovah He gave them into thy hand,
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 21:16
And Jehovah waketh up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, who 'are' beside the Cushim,
(YLT)

Daniel 11:43
and he hath ruled over treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the desirable things of Egypt, and Lubim and Cushim 'are' at his steps.
(YLT)

Amos 9:7
As sons of Cushim are ye not to Me? O sons of Israel -- an affirmation of Jehovah. Israel did I not bring up out of the land of Egypt? And the Philistines from Caphtor, and Aram from Kir?
(YLT)

Zephaniah 2:12
Also ye, O Cushim, pierced of My sword 'are' they.
(YLT)

Cushim (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cushim (8 Occurrences). ... 2 Chronicles 14:12 And Jehovah
smiteth the Cushim before Asa, and before Judah, and the Cushim flee, (YLT). ...
/c/cushim.htm - 8k

Cushion (3 Occurrences)

/c/cushion.htm - 9k

Cushi (7 Occurrences)

/c/cushi.htm - 10k

Leaning (11 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Chronicles 16:8 Did not the Cushim and the Lubim become a very
great force for multitude, for chariot, and for horsemen? ...
/l/leaning.htm - 10k

Lubim (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:43 and he hath ruled over treasures of gold and of silver, and over all
the desirable things of Egypt, and Lubim and Cushim 'are' at his steps. (YLT). ...
/l/lubim.htm - 8k

Waketh (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 21:16 And Jehovah waketh up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines,
and of the Arabians, who 'are' beside the Cushim, (YLT). ...
/w/waketh.htm - 8k

Preserving (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 14:13 and Asa and the people who 'are' with him pursue them even to
Gerar, and there fall of the Cushim, for they have no preserving, because they ...
/p/preserving.htm - 9k

Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... probably Egyptian towns on the frontier of Palestine), toward which they naturally
fled when defeated, were plundered; (c) the invaders were Cushim and Lubim ...
/z/zerah.htm - 19k

Ethiopian (11 Occurrences)
... probably Egyptian towns on the frontier of Palestine), toward which they naturally
fled when defeated, were plundered; (c) the invaders were Cushim and Lubim ...
/e/ethiopian.htm - 18k

Desirable (49 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Daniel 11:43 and he hath ruled over treasures of gold and of silver, and
over all the desirable things of Egypt, and Lubim and Cushim 'are' at his steps. ...
/d/desirable.htm - 21k

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