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Othniel Judge of Israel
v. 7. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, the usual formula introducing a chapter of oppression and deliverance, Jdg_2:11, and forgot the Lord, their God, and served Baalim and the groves, that is, Asherah, for in the heathen worship, the altar was consecrated to Baal, the pillar or treeidol to Astarte, or Ashtaroth, Jos_2:13.
v. 8. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, it was kindled, it flared up in an angry flame, and He sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, some mighty monarch toward the East; and the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years, by being obliged to pay heavy tribute money.
v. 9. And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, as they felt the severity of the oppression more and more, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, a man who was to save them from the tyrant, who delivered them, even Othniel, the son of Xenaz, Caleb's younger brother, the conqueror of Debir, Jos_1:13; Jos_15:16-17.
v. 10. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, filling him with extraordinary military ability and valor, as well as the wisdom necessary to decide difficult cases according to the Law, and he judged Israel, restored justice and order, and went out to war; and the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim, he defeated the oppressor and threw off the burden which was bearing Israel down. Thus the consciousness of God and of the duty toward Jehovah was restored in Israel.
v. 11. And the land had rest forty years, the people being able to follow all the pursuits of peace without outside interference. And Othniel, the son of Kenaz, under whose blameless and happy rule the land had been restored to its former prosperity, died. Thus the children of Israel had received a lesson the force of which was to be impressed upon them for all times, for every proof of God's kindness is intended to make men cling to Him in firm trust.