Thank you for joining me in another study of the ever-intriguing book of Judges. We are diving into the judges following the first two chapters of introductions. If you will recall, the introductions gave us the state of Israel as well as the common theme which will run through the course of the book. Israel has become a nation of people who no longer know the Lord. By saying this, I do not mean that they had literally forgotten the Lord, but rather the intimacy between God and man has disappeared and the people begin to accept idolatry. This sinfulness that enters into the chosen people of God creates a thematic cycle of sinning, judgement, crying our, and salvation from God through a judge. The stories of these judges begins with Othniel. 

In the commentary Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Historical Booksby Satterthwaite and McConville, twelve themes are drawn from verses 7-11 in the story of Othniel which will set the stage for every major judge to follow. In other words, each of the stories concerning the judges to follow Othniel will take pieces of the original story for themselves. This is because Othniel is setting the example of a good judge and is the story which sets the bar for the rest of the judges to follow. We must remember these themes so that when we look at the judges to come after we can compare their story to Othniel who did as God desired of him. 

The twelve themes are as follows:

1. Apostasy (3:7)

2. Idolatry (3:7)

3. Anger (3:8)

4. Enemy (3:8)

5. Oppression and duration (3:8)

6. Crying out (3:9)

7. Judge Chosen (3:9)

8. Spirit (3:10)

9. Deliverance (3:10)

10. Dominance (3:10)

11. Peace and duration (3:11)

12. Death (3:11)

Many of these themes were included in the introduction of the book of Judges as well proving their importance. 

With the themes stated, let us break down this chapter.

• Vv. 7-11 We are given the story of Othniel. In this story we see the Israelites forget the Lord their God and turn to false gods and committing evil acts. God responds angrily and sells his people into slavery. After 8 years, the people return to the Lord and cry for salvation. Othniel is raised up and the Spirit overcomes him, guiding him into battle and freeing the Israelites for 40 years until his death. 

  • Cushan-rishathaim is considered by most scholars to not be the actual name of the tribe that overtakes Israel. Their given name means “Cushan of double wickedness” which can be seen as a response to Israel. Israel was wicked and so the Lord gave them over to a nation that was doubly wicked. 

  • Othniel is younger brother to Caleb. I pray that each of us are each of us are working hard that the Spirit of the Lord runs in our families. 

• Vv. 12-30 The next major judge is brought up: Ehud. The people began the cycle of sinning once again; and God once again does not allow them to go on sinning unpunished. He raises up Eglon to overtake Israel and they serve Eglon 18 years. Ehud responds to the Lord’s call to save Israel and he sets out on a covert operation to kill the king. He brings a wealthy tribute to the king in order to gain favor one presence with the king. As he goes to leave he says he has a secret message for the king. The king trusts his new ally and clears the room that they may have privacy. He takes his 18 inch sword which was hidden in his cloak and stabs the fat king. And the king pooped his pants as he died. Crazy story. Ehud led the people out of captivity and is credited with a victorious battle over the Moabites. 

• V. 31 Shamgar is credited saving Israel from the Philistines and is famous for killing 600 men with and oxgoad, which is a cattle prod. 

Why is it that the author feels like we need all of these gruesome details? Why did he include the description of the fat king pooping his pants? Why do we need to talk about these judges who were celebrated at the time but often make today’s reader uneasy? Judges was written in a way that way conjure some sort of national pride and show the Lord’s strength through these warrior-judges. It also should relay to modern readers the seriousness of unrighteousness. God simply will not put up with our unrighteousness. When the people forgot him, he allowed punishment to come over them. And when the people called for his saving hand, he stamped out the wickedness in the nations who had enslaved Israel. God surely wants all to be saved, but he is still a righteous judge. 

I think it is also important to read this to recognize the saving power of God. God easily could forget Israel because of their sinful nature. But, God in his mercy, desired that the world know him through the revelation of his character seen through his interactions with Israel. This book is showing us the patience of the Lord with his people and his desire to save. Thank the Lord and praise him that he is patient in our growth in him!