Othniel: A Model Leader

3:7 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight.8 They forgot the Lord their God and worshiped the Baals and the Asherahs.9 3:8 The Lord was furious with Israel10 and turned them over to11 King Cushan-Rishathaim12 of Aram-Naharaim. They were Cushan-Rishathaim’s subjects13 for eight years. 3:9 When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he14 raised up a deliverer for the Israelites who rescued15 them. His name was Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.16 3:10 The Lord’s spirit empowered him17 and he led Israel. When he went to do battle, the Lord handed over to him King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram and he overpowered him.18 3:11 The land had rest for forty years; then Othniel son of Kenaz died.