Overview
Judges 3 narrates the emergence of the first judges of Israel, highlighting their roles in delivering the Israelites from the hands of their oppressors. This chapter is pivotal in demonstrating how God raises leaders to rescue His people during times of distress. Key aspects include:
Purpose of Remaining Nations: The chapter begins by explaining that several nations were left in Canaan to test the Israelites who had not experienced the wars in Canaan, teaching them warfare.
Israel’s Sin and Oppression: The Israelites do evil in the sight of the LORD, forgetting Him and serving the Baals and Asherahs. As a result, the LORD allows them to be subjugated by their enemies.
Othniel, the First Judge: The first judge, Othniel, the son of Kenaz, is raised up after the Israelites cry out to the LORD. The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Othniel, and he leads Israel to victory over Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Aram. The land has peace for 40 years until Othniel dies.
Ehud’s Deliverance from Moab: When Israel again does evil, the LORD strengthens Eglon, king of Moab, against them. Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, is raised as a judge. He makes a double-edged sword, hides it on his right thigh, and presents tribute to Eglon. Ehud then assassinates Eglon, leading to Israel overpowering Moab and peace for 80 years.
Shamgar’s Victory: The chapter briefly mentions Shamgar, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an ox goad. He too saves Israel.
Judges 3 sets the stage for the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges. Each judge's story demonstrates God’s willingness to use diverse and often unexpected individuals as instruments of deliverance for His people. The chapter underscores the Israelites’ fluctuating faithfulness and the LORD’s continuous mercy in raising leaders to guide and rescue them.