Othniel: The First Judge
Judges 3:9 NLT But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz.
We continue our study with the Book of Judges by moving further into Chapter 3. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
Today, we are studying Judges 3:7-11 and our focus is, “God, What Do I Do When I’m in a Battle?”
Actually, we are all in a battle for the truth; our culture is hostile to the Word of God. This has been the battle since the beginning of time. Jesus makes it clear, he is the Truth [the Deliverer of spiritual Life with God] and Satan is the Liar [the Deceiver bringing spiritual death].
Othniel was the first judge whom God raised up for His people. Let’s remember, the Israelites had the opportunity to be led by God Himself, but they resisted His authority (Judges 3:7). God gave Israel an identity and set them apart from the world, but they refused to live from it. Their disobedience led to bondage.
History tells us King Saul was to destroy [consecrate] the Amalekites because of how they had opposed the Israelites. But, Saul did not fully obey the Lord. When he was confronted with the truth, Saul twisted the truth and deflected responsibility to make himself appear righteous before the people. Truth always wins in the end.
Judges 3:7-11 NLT Othniel Becomes Israel’s Judge
7 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. They forgot about the Lord their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah [goddess] poles. 8 Then the Lord burned with anger against Israel, and he turned them over to King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim. And the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim for eight years.
9 But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge. He went to war against King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram, and the Lord gave Othniel victory over him. 11 So there was peace in the land for forty years [a time of testing, trials, probation]. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.
The battles we face are nothing we can overcome in our flesh. However, God has no lack of power to make us victorious if we press into Him. Supernatural power belongs to God. He has the ability to bring peace to the world’s chaos; He has done so from the beginning.
Othniel was able to fulfill his scared assignment to judge Israel because the Holy Spirit empowered him. He went out to battle and the Lord gave him success. He was able to overpower King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram and the land knew peace for forty years (v. 11).
Truth: When you’re in a battle, decide to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit who enables you to endure and overcome.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the work and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We can easily repent from sin, return to You, and renew our minds with the truth. Please help us remember and cling to Your strength not our flesh. Hold us when our days are hard and challenging. Give us courage and cause us to be victorious. In Jesus’ name. Amen.