Judges 3:7-11
Othniel Delivers Israel
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7So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs.
8Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram-naharaim, and the Israelites served him eight years.
9But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.
10The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.
11So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
For eight years, Israel serves Cushan-rishathaim, king of Aram-naharaim. The Israelites have forgotten the LORD and served the Baals and Asherahs, and the LORD has given them into this king's hand. When they cry out, God raises a deliverer: Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Othniel. He judges Israel and goes to war, and the LORD gives the enemy king into his hand. The rescue is described briefly, but its source is clear. God provides the deliverer and gives the victory.
After eight years of oppression come forty years of rest. That is a substantial mercy for people who have lived under an enemy's power. The account closes with Othniel's death. His service has brought relief, yet he remains a mortal judge. Israel will continue to need the LORD who raised him up.
Questions
1 How long does Israel serve Cushan-rishathaim?
AnswerIsrael serves him for eight years after abandoning the LORD for the Baals and Asherahs.
2 How does God equip Othniel to deliver Israel?
AnswerThe Spirit of the LORD comes upon him. He judges Israel and goes to war, and the LORD gives him victory.
3 What follows Othniel’s victory?
AnswerThe land has rest for forty years. The account then records Othniel’s death.
4 How could we receive a season of relief gratefully?
AnswerWe could thank God for the people who helped us and use renewed time or strength to care for someone else, rather than forgetting the help we received.
What This Means for Us
God often cares for us through people whose help we can name. Thank Him for them, and thank them too. When a difficult season eases, receive that relief as a gift. Rest can give us room to worship, rebuild ordinary routines, and become more attentive to someone else's needs.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the forty years of rest You gave Israel through Othniel. Keep us grateful after relief arrives and faithful when ordinary peace returns. Amen.
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