1. Judges 3:8 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Would “Cushan-rishathaim” have been his actual name?

Judges 3:8 (ESV)

8 Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.

The name means Cushan Doubly Wicked. The name is most certainly a pejorative. For who would name their son doubly wicked? No parent would have named their child this. Instead, the term was probably an Israelite name for him, as a term of derision.1 It is obvious that he is evil, the worst of enemies.