In addition, according to the text, he comes from Aram Naharaim (lit. “Aram of the Two Rivers”).21 Located in the area between the Euphrates and Habur rivers in northern Mesopotamia, the area known as the Jezirah in modern eastern Syria.22 Naharaim was the earlier name of the area in the second millennium sources, to which “Aram” has been prefixed.23 This would make Cushan-Rishathaim the oppressor who comes the greatest distance to oppress Israel.24 Again this may underscore his severity. The Israelites, who choose to serve (‘abad) foreign gods (3:7), are made to serve (‘abad) a foreign tyrant
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