But 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. But when the Israelites cried out to the LORDThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges. The Hebrew word for "cried out" is "זָעַק" (za'aq), which conveys a deep, desperate plea for help. This cry is not merely a call for assistance but a profound acknowledgment of their need for divine intervention. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' recognition of their inability to save themselves from the consequences of their disobedience. It is a moment of turning back to God, reminiscent of the broader biblical theme of repentance and redemption. He raised up Othniel son of Kenaz
The phrase "He raised up" indicates divine initiative and intervention. The Hebrew root "קוּם" (qum) suggests an act of establishing or empowering. Othniel, whose name means "God is my strength," is chosen by God to be a deliverer. The mention of "son of Kenaz" situates Othniel within the tribe of Judah, highlighting the importance of tribal affiliations in Israel's history. Othniel's role as a judge underscores the recurring theme of God using individuals to accomplish His purposes, often raising leaders from unexpected places to fulfill His covenant promises. Caleb’s younger brother, as a deliverer to save them
Caleb's younger brother, Othniel, is introduced as a "deliverer," a term that in Hebrew is "מוֹשִׁיעַ" (moshia), meaning savior or rescuer. This term foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ, the Messiah. The familial connection to Caleb, a figure known for his faithfulness and courage (as seen in the Book of Joshua), adds a layer of historical and spiritual significance. It suggests a continuity of faith and valor within the family line, serving as an inspiration for the Israelites to trust in God's provision and deliverance. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him
This phrase signifies the empowerment of Othniel by the Holy Spirit, a recurring motif in the Old Testament where the Spirit equips individuals for specific tasks. The Hebrew word "רוּחַ" (ruach) for "Spirit" denotes breath or wind, symbolizing life and divine power. This divine empowerment is crucial for Othniel's success as a judge, emphasizing that true deliverance and leadership come not from human strength but from God's Spirit. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of divine presence and guidance in overcoming challenges and fulfilling God's purposes. and he became Israel’s judge and went to war
Othniel's role as a judge involves both judicial and military leadership. The Hebrew term "שָׁפַט" (shaphat) for "judge" encompasses governance, decision-making, and delivering justice. His going to war signifies the active role of a judge in defending and liberating the people from oppression. This dual role highlights the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance, addressing both spiritual and physical needs. It reflects the biblical principle that God raises leaders who are both wise and courageous, capable of guiding His people through times of trial and conflict. The LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who prevailed against him
The phrase "The LORD gave" underscores God's sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of nations. The defeat of Cushan-rishathaim, whose name means "double wickedness," represents the triumph of righteousness over evil. The victory is attributed to divine intervention rather than human prowess, reinforcing the theme that success comes from reliance on God. This historical account serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and delivering His people when they turn back to Him in repentance and faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God who repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance during the time of the Judges. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who responds to the cries of His people with compassion and deliverance. 3. OthnielThe first judge of Israel, son of Kenaz, and younger brother of Caleb. He was raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. 4. KenazFather of Othniel and part of the tribe of Judah, indicating the importance of family lineage and faithfulness. 5. CalebA faithful spy and leader from the tribe of Judah, known for his unwavering faith in God’s promises. Teaching Points The Cycle of Sin and DeliveranceRecognize the pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in our own lives. God is always ready to deliver when we genuinely repent and cry out to Him. God’s FaithfulnessDespite Israel's repeated failures, God remains faithful to His covenant. This encourages us to trust in God's unchanging nature and His willingness to forgive and restore. The Role of LeadersGod raises leaders like Othniel to guide and deliver His people. We should pray for and support godly leaders in our communities and churches. The Power of PrayerThe Israelites' cry to the LORD demonstrates the power of prayer. We should be diligent in prayer, knowing that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. Family Legacy of FaithOthniel's connection to Caleb highlights the importance of a family legacy of faith. We should strive to pass down our faith to future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the cycle of sin and deliverance in Judges teach us about human nature and God's character? 2. How can we apply the example of Othniel's leadership in our own lives or communities today? 3. In what ways does the account of Othniel encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness despite our failures? 4. How does the concept of crying out to God in times of trouble apply to our personal prayer life? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are building a strong family legacy of faith like that of Caleb and Othniel? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:23-25Similar to the Israelites' cry in Judges, the cries of the Israelites in Egypt reached God, prompting Him to act on their behalf. Psalm 34:17This verse emphasizes that the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears and delivers them from all their troubles, paralleling the deliverance seen in Judges 3:9. Hebrews 11:32-34Othniel is part of the legacy of faith, where judges are commended for their faith and acts of deliverance. People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Brother, Caleb's, Cried, Cry, Deliver, Delivered, Deliverer, Kenaz, Othniel, Oth'ni-el, Prayer, Raised, Raiseth, Saved, Saveth, Savior, Saviour, Sons, YoungerDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:9 5360 justice, God
6634 deliverance
6738 rescue
8610 prayer, asking God
8614 prayer, answers Judges 3:9-11 5358 judges Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 3:9 NIVJudges 3:9 NLTJudges 3:9 ESVJudges 3:9 NASBJudges 3:9 KJV
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