God's Purpose in Testing (Judges 3:1-4)
The Lord left certain nations to test Israel, to see if they would obey His commandments. This highlights God's intention to refine and strengthen His people through trials.

Israel's Disobedience (Judges 3:5-7)
Despite God's clear instructions, the Israelites intermarried with the Canaanites and worshiped their gods, demonstrating the human tendency to stray from God's path.

God's Discipline and Deliverance (Judges 3:8-11)
When Israel cried out to the Lord, He raised up Othniel as a deliverer. This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a recurring theme in Judges, showcasing God's mercy and faithfulness.

Ehud's Unconventional Deliverance (Judges 3:12-30)
God used Ehud, a left-handed man, to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. This account reminds us that God can use unexpected means and people to accomplish His purposes.

Shamgar's Brief but Impactful Role (Judges 3:31)
Though only briefly mentioned, Shamgar's victory over the Philistines with an oxgoad illustrates that God empowers His chosen instruments, regardless of their resources.Embrace Trials as Opportunities for Growth
Recognize that God may use challenges to test and strengthen your faith, just as He did with Israel.

Guard Against Compromise
Be vigilant in maintaining your commitment to God, avoiding the temptation to adopt the values and practices of the surrounding culture.

Cry Out to God in Times of Trouble
Like the Israelites, turn to God in repentance and seek His deliverance when you face difficulties.

Be Open to God's Unconventional Methods
Trust that God can use unexpected people and means to bring about His plans in your life.

Use What You Have for God's Glory
Like Shamgar, utilize the resources and abilities God has given you to serve His purposes.1. Othniel
Othniel is the first judge of Israel mentioned in Judges 3. He is described as the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. Othniel delivers Israel from the oppression of King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram. The text highlights that "the Spirit of the LORD came upon him" (Judges 3:10), empowering him to lead Israel to victory. The Hebrew root for "spirit" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), indicating divine empowerment.

2. Cushan-Rishathaim
Cushan-Rishathaim is the king of Aram Naharaim who oppresses the Israelites for eight years. His name, which can be translated as "Cushan of double wickedness," reflects his oppressive rule over Israel.

3. Ehud
Ehud is the second judge of Israel, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. He delivers Israel from the Moabite king Eglon by assassinating him. Ehud's left-handedness is significant, as it allows him to conceal a weapon and surprise Eglon. The Hebrew term for "left-handed" is "אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ" (itter yad-yemino), indicating a unique characteristic that God uses for deliverance.

4. Eglon
Eglon is the king of Moab who, with the help of the Ammonites and Amalekites, oppresses Israel for eighteen years. He is described as a very fat man, which plays a role in the narrative of his assassination by Ehud.

5. Shamgar
Shamgar is mentioned briefly as the third judge of Israel. He is noted for striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, delivering Israel. The Hebrew term for "oxgoad" is "מַלְמָד" (malmad), a tool used for driving oxen, symbolizing how God can use ordinary means for extraordinary deliverance.1. Canaan
Canaan is the land that the Israelites were commanded to conquer and possess. It is the region where many of the events in the Book of Judges take place. The name "Canaan" (כְּנַעַן, Kena'an) is often associated with the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham.

2. Philistia
Philistia refers to the territory of the Philistines, a group of people who were often in conflict with the Israelites. The Philistines are mentioned as one of the nations left to test Israel (Judges 3:3).

3. Sidon
Sidon is a significant ancient Phoenician city, mentioned as part of the territory of the Sidonians. The Sidonians are listed among the nations left to test Israel (Judges 3:3). The Hebrew name is צִידוֹן (Tzidon).

4. Lebanon
Lebanon is referenced in relation to the territory of the Sidonians, extending from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath (Judges 3:3). The Hebrew name is לְבָנוֹן (Levanon), known for its cedar trees.

5. Mount Baal-hermon
This is a mountain mentioned as part of the northern boundary of the land where the remaining nations dwelled (Judges 3:3). The name reflects the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity.

6. Lebo-hamath
Lebo-hamath is mentioned as a northern boundary marker in the land of Canaan (Judges 3:3). The Hebrew term לְבוֹא חֲמָת (Levo Chamat) means "entrance of Hamath."

7. Moab
Moab is a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites. Eglon, the king of Moab, oppressed Israel during the time of the judges (Judges 3:12-14). The Hebrew name is מוֹאָב (Mo'av).

8. Jericho
Known as the "City of Palms," Jericho is where Eglon, king of Moab, established his rule over Israel (Judges 3:13). The Hebrew name is יְרִיחוֹ (Yericho).

9. Eglon
While Eglon is primarily the name of the Moabite king, it is also used to refer to the area under his control, particularly around Jericho (Judges 3:12-14).

10. Seirah
Seirah is the place to which Ehud escaped after assassinating Eglon, king of Moab (Judges 3:26). The Hebrew name is שְׂעִירָה (Se'irah).1. Israel's Disobedience and Testing
The Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD by serving the Baals and Asherahs, leading to their oppression by surrounding nations. This disobedience was a test from God to see if they would obey His commandments (Judges 3:7-8). The Hebrew word for "evil" (רַע, ra) indicates moral wickedness, highlighting the gravity of their actions.

2. Othniel Delivers Israel
Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, is raised by God as a deliverer. The Spirit of the LORD comes upon him, and he judges Israel, leading them to victory over Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. The land then has peace for forty years (Judges 3:9-11). The term "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) implies leadership and governance, not just legal judgment.

3. Israel's Return to Evil and Oppression by Moab
After Othniel's death, the Israelites again do evil, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14). The cycle of sin and oppression continues, emphasizing the Israelites' recurring disobedience.

4. Ehud's Deliverance of Israel
Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, is chosen by God to deliver Israel. He crafts a double-edged sword and assassinates Eglon, king of Moab, during a private meeting. Ehud then leads Israel to defeat the Moabites, securing eighty years of peace (Judges 3:15-30). The Hebrew term for "left-handed" (אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ, iter yad-yemino) suggests a unique skill that God uses for deliverance.

5. Shamgar's Victory over the Philistines
Shamgar, son of Anath, strikes down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, delivering Israel (Judges 3:31). This brief account highlights God's use of unexpected means and individuals for deliverance. The term "oxgoad" (מַלְמָד, malmad) refers to a farming tool, underscoring the unconventional nature of Shamgar's weapon.James 1:2-4
This passage speaks to the purpose of trials in developing perseverance and maturity in believers, echoing the testing of Israel in Judges 3.

1 Corinthians 10:13
This verse assures us that God provides a way out of temptation, similar to how He delivered Israel through judges.

Romans 12:2
Encourages believers not to conform to the world, paralleling the call for Israel to remain distinct from the Canaanites. Pray for Strength in Trials
Ask God to help you see challenges as opportunities for growth and to give you the strength to endure.

Pray for Faithfulness
Seek God's guidance to remain faithful and avoid compromising your beliefs.

Pray for Deliverance
Request God's intervention in areas of struggle, trusting in His power to deliver.

Pray for Openness to God's Plans
Ask for a heart that is open to God's unconventional methods and willing to be used by Him.

Pray for Resourcefulness
Pray for wisdom to use your gifts and resources effectively for God's glory.

1. How does the repetitive cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation in Judges 3 mirror patterns in your own life?

2. How does God use adversity as a means of correction in this chapter?

3. Why do you think God chose individuals like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar as deliverers for His people? What qualities did they possess?

4. In the modern world, what might be some "foreign gods" that could lead us into spiritual apostasy like the Israelites?

5. How do intermarriages in Judges 3:5-7 relate to present-day relationships that may lead us away from our faith?

6. How does God demonstrate His mercy and justice in Judges 3?

7. What lessons can we learn from the leadership of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar in confronting today's challenges?

8. How does the narrative of Ehud’s unconventional approach to deliver Israel inspire you to use your unique talents?

9. Compare the leadership styles of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. How do these differences highlight God’s ability to use anyone for His purposes?

10. How can the periods of peace following the judges' deliverance inspire us in our times of trial?

11. How does the constant fall and redemption of the Israelites reflect human nature?

12. How can we break the cycle of sin in our personal lives as seen in Judges 3?

13. If you were in Ehud's situation, how would you have handled the confrontation with Eglon?

14. How do we see God’s sovereignty in Judges 3, and how does that provide comfort in today's world?

15. How does the story of Judges 3 encourage perseverance through difficult times?

16. How can you apply the faithfulness of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar in your everyday life?

17. How does the repeated disobedience of the Israelites mirror societal issues today?

18. How can we ensure we are not complacent in our faith, like the Israelites were after periods of peace?

19. What are some ways to combat idolatry and keep God as the center of our lives?

20. How does Judges 3 motivate us to seek God's intervention in our lives in times of adversity?