Othniel, the first deliverer (3:7–11)

My immediate devotional response to reading: in God’s timing, God delivers. When we cry out in pain, seeking God’s deliverance, God provides a deliverer. The deliverer only comes when we have had enough of the consequences of our selfishness.

The Israelites forget about God and worship Baal and the Asherah poles. For eight years the Israelites are ruled by King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram-naharaim (Mesopotamia). In response to the Israelites’ cries for help, God raises up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s nephew, to rescue them. In verse 9, Othniel is referred to as a deliverer. Judges 3:10 says, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war.” Othniel defeats King Cushan-rishathaim, and the land has peace for 40 years. Othniel son of Kenaz, becomes the first judge “local tribal hero” and remains leaders from 1367 to 1327 B.C. (40 years).