Judges 3:9

The First Judge Delivers Israel

9 When the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, ¹Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

Judges 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 3:9

And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord
Towards the close of the eight years' bondage, as it may be supposed, groaning under the oppressive taxes laid upon them, and the bondage they were brought into: and

the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel;
he heard their cry, and sent them a saviour, whose spirit he stirred up, and whom he qualified for this service:

who delivered them;
out of the hands of the king of Mesopotamia, and freed them from his oppressions:

[even] Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother;
the same that took Debir, and married Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, ( Judges 1:12 Judges 1:13 ) ; who now very probably was a man in years.

Judges 3:9 In-Context

7 The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD , and forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth.

8 Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, so that He sold them into the hands of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia; and the sons of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.

9 When the sons of Israel cried to the LORD , the LORD raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.

11 Then the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

Cross References

• 1. Judges 1:13