Judges 3 - The Judges

Click to read Judges 3:7-31

Synopsis

The first three of the judges are described in this chapter; Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar. Throughout 325 years recorded in Judges, the Israelite fell into the five-step cycle;

1. They disregard and disobey God.
2. They suffer oppression from the enemies as a result.
3. They cry to God for help.
4. God sends a judge to deliver them from oppression.
5. There is peace.

While God loved the Israelites and always rescue them whenever they cried out in repentance to Him, the Israelites fell into this cycle six times. The first of the judges sent by God was Othniel, Caleb's nephew and son-in-law. He gave peace to Israel for 40 years.

After Othniel's death, the people sinned again and the land was subjected to Moabite rule for 18 years before Ehud was elected by God to deliver them. Shamgar was the third of the judges God sent to help them. Together, they gave 80 years of peace to Israel.

Major Verses

V10 - The spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel and so he became the first judge.

What I learn

When God wants us to do something for Him, He provides the leadership Himself. As in the case of Othniel, His spirit came upon him. Othniel did not resist the spirit of God but went forth to complete God's plan. Today, we have the Holy Spirit in us. Let us listen to His prompting and obey Him.

Question - How can we be sensitive to God's instructions?
(Share your understanding with us. Click "Comments" at the bottom of this page.)

Summary

As much as God loves us and wants us to enjoy the best in life, sins always produce consequences that we will have to bear. Flee from sin, as the bible tells us. God provides the Holy Spirit to help to do so and to obey Him always. Let's draw our help from this Godly Helper always.

Up next....

We continue examining the next two judges, Deborah and Barak next week....