Judges 3:1-31

3:1-2 | God tested Israel to refine it (Gen. 22:1; Deut. 13:3; 2 Chron. 32:31; James 1:3) and to prepare the generation that was born in the wilderness for war.

3:5-6 | Once Israel tolerated the cultures around them, it was a short step to next assimilate them through intermarriage and then to imitate them as they dwelt among them. This cost the Israelites their distinctive character and testimony, and they failed to be the holy people God created them to be (Deut. 7:1-6).

3:7-11 | Othniel was from Caleb’s family and grew up under the influence of his legendary uncle (1:12-13). He was a man of faith and courage, but his strength did not come from his family or from his capabilities: the Spirit of the LORD came upon him. Rishathaim means “Double Wickedness.”

3:10 | Old Testament saints were not permanently indwelt with the Spirit of the LORD as NT saints are. Rather, the Spirit temporarily came upon them, indwelling and empowering them in times of need. This phrase is used of many of the judges, as well as Saul and David.

3:12 | The nation of Moab was founded by Moab, a son born of the incestuous encounter between Lot and his oldest daughter after Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed (Gen. 19:37).

3:13-14 | The City of Palm**s (Jericho) was centrally positioned along major roadways and known for its many freshwater oases fed by the Jordan River. How ironic that Jericho, the first city conquered by the Israelites when they entered the land, was now back under Canaanite control! Although **Eglon ruled over Israel for nearly two decades – a consequence of the people’s sin – he was unaware that there was a curse on anyone who overtook Jericho and built it up (Deut. 13:12-16; Josh. 6:26).

3:17 | There is irony in this description of Eglon – no doubt he had fattened himself on all the goods he extorted from the Israelites. His name means “Calf,” so the author foreshadows his fate, portraying him as a fattened calf ready for slaughter.

3:31 | In Shamgar’s time, the land was so filled with evil that it was not even safe to travel the roads. Shamgar was an unlikely deliverer because he may not have even been an Israelite. Yet God used him and his ox goad (A long shaft with a sharp prod on one end to direct oxen on a plow) to deliver the Israelites.