OTHNIEL, THE FIRST JUDGE

7 The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; they forgot the Lord their Godn and worshiped the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and he sold them to King Cushan-rishathaimF of Aram-naharaim,G,o and the Israelites served him eight years.

9 The Israelites cried out to the Lord.p So the Lord raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother,q as a delivererr to save the Israelites. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel. Othniel went out to battle, and the Lord handed over King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram to him, so that Othniel overpowered him. 11 Then the land had peace fors forty years, and Othniel son of Kenaz died.