Judges 3:9-11 meaning

Judges 3:9-11 shows the ascendancy of the first Judge in Israel who leads the Israelites away from oppression and back to living in peace with their Suzerain God Yahweh.

When the sons of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother (v 9).

After eight years of oppression under Cushan-rishathaim (Judges 3:8), the Israelites finally cry out to the Lord for help. This cry marks a turning point in the narrative, as the people acknowledge their helplessness and seek divine intervention.

In response, God, in His mercy, raises up a deliverer, Othniel, the son of Kenaz (v 9). Othniel is notable for being the younger brother of Caleb, a prominent figure in Israel’s history who, along with Joshua, was one of the two faithful spies who encouraged Israel to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). Caleb’s legacy of faith and courage is continued through Othniel, who is chosen by God to deliver Israel.

The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel (v 10). Othniel’s success as a deliverer is attributed to the empowering presence of the Spirit of the Lord. In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord would come upon individuals to help them with specific tasks, often involving leadership or deliverance. This divine empowerment indicates that Othniel’s ability to lead and judge Israel was not merely a result of his own strength or wisdom but was a direct result of God’s intervention. Othniel was obviously someone who did not practice idolatry, but sought to obey God. As a judge, Othniel not only led Israel in battle but also provided spiritual and legal guidance, helping to restore the nation to its covenant relationship with God.

When he went out to war, the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim (v 10).

Othniel’s military victory over Cushan-rishathaim is described as a direct result of the Lord’s intervention. The phrasing emphasizes that it was God who gave the enemy into Othniel’s hand. Israel’s victories are not due to human strength but to God’s power and favor. Othniel’s triumph over Cushan-rishathaim reverses the situation described in the previous verses, where Israel was “sold into the hands” of this oppressor (Judges 3:8). Now, through God’s deliverer, Israel is freed from bondage.

Then the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died (v 11). Following Othniel’s victory, the land experiences a period of rest lasting forty years. This rest signifies a time of peace, security, and stability, free from the oppression and warfare that had previously plagued Israel. The forty-year period describes the length of a generation, showing that Othniel’s leadership brought about a sustained period of peace for an entire generation. However, the verse also foreshadows the end of this peace with the mention of Othniel’s death. These periods of peace under the rule of the judges typically ended with the death of the judge. What followed would be more disobedience by the Israelites and oppression by the neighboring pagan kingdoms.

The first judge, Othniel, is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to respond to His people’s cries for help, even after they have turned away from Him.