Nations Left to Test Israel 1These are the nations that the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan, 2if only to teach warfare to the subsequent generations of Israel, especially to those who had not known it formerly: 3the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. 4These nations were left to test the Israelites, to find out whether they would keep the commandments of the LORD, which He had given their fathers through Moses. 5Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 6And they took the daughters of these people in marriage, gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. Othniel 7So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram-naharaim,a and the Israelites served him eight years. 9But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. 10The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. 11So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. Ehud 12Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. So He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. 13After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.b 14The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. 15And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 16Now Ehud had made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long.c He strapped it to his right thigh under his cloak 17and brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was an obese man. 18After Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he ushered out those who had carried it. 19But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him. 20Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. “I have a word from God for you,” Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat. 21And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. 22Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And Eglon’s bowels emptied. 23Then Ehud went out through the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upper room behind him. 24After Ehud was gone, Eglon’s servants came in and found the doors of the upper room locked. “He must be relieving himself in the cool room,” they said. 25So they waited until they became worried and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room. Then they took the key and opened the doors—and there was their lord lying dead on the floor. 26Ehud, however, had escaped while the servants waited. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah. 27On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader. 28“Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and they did not allow anyone to cross over. 29At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all robust and valiant men. Not one of them escaped. 30So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years. Shamgar 31After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. And he too saved Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. Footnotes: 8 a That is, Mesopotamia; Aram-naharaim means Aram of the two rivers, likely the region between the Euphrates and Balih Rivers in northwestern Mesopotamia. 13 b That is, Jericho 16 c A cubit is approximately 18 inches or 45.7 centimeters. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Judges 3 Summary Othniel, Ehud, and ShamgarVerses 1–4 – Nations Left to Test Israel Verses 5–6 – Compromise and Intermarriage Verses 7–11 – Othniel: Spirit-Empowered Deliverer Verses 12–30 – Ehud and the Fall of Moab Verse 31 – Shamgar’s Brief but Bold Victory Judges 3, a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, traces the cyclic pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation of the Israelites. It presents the narratives of Israel's disobedience to God, their subsequent suffering under foreign rulers, and their rescue through appointed judges – Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. It serves as a clear depiction of God's justice and mercy, demonstrating His faithfulness in forgiving and restoring His people. Historical Setting Judges 3 unfolds shortly after Joshua’s death, in a time when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Tribal boundaries are loose, leadership is local, and external enemies exploit Israel’s spiritual weakness. Why God Left the Nations – Testing and Training • Test obedience: Deuteronomy 8:2; Exodus 23:29-30 • Teach warfare to a generation born in peace • Keep Israel dependent on Him rather than on standing armies Archaeology of the Named Peoples • Philistine “lords” appear in coastal digs such as Ashkelon, showing Aegean pottery. • Sidonians ruled from Tyre and Sidon; Phoenician inscriptions confirm seafaring trade. • Hivites in Lebanon inhabited grottoes near Baal-Hermon; Egyptian texts call them “Khiu.” • The “City of Palms” is Old Jericho; Jericho’s Late Bronze rubble sits beneath Iron I village layers—evidence of re-occupation around this period. • Moabite stonework east of the Dead Sea (the Mesha Stele, 9th century BC) later boasts of victories over Israel, matching the long rivalry seen here. The Cycle of Sin in Judges 1. Sin – Israel does evil (3:7, 12). 2. Servitude – God sells them to a foreign king (3:8, 14). 3. Supplication – They cry out (3:9, 15). 4. Salvation – God raises a judge (3:9-10, 15). 5. Silence – Rest in the land (3:11, 30). The same cycle appears in Judges 2:11-19 and fits later eras (cf. Nehemiah 9:26-28). Profiles of the Judges • Othniel: Caleb’s nephew, from Judah, first judge; the Spirit’s power makes him a military hero (cf. Numbers 14:24). • Ehud: From Benjamin (“son of the right hand”) yet left-handed; this anomaly lets him conceal a weapon undetected. • Shamgar: Possibly of mixed ancestry (“son of Anath,” a name linked to a Canaanite goddess). His oxgoad feat foreshadows Samson’s jawbone (Judges 15:15). The Spirit of the LORD In Judges the Spirit equips individuals for tasks: Othniel (3:10), Gideon (6:34), Jephthah (11:29), Samson (14:6). Unlike New Testament indwelling (John 14:17), this is a temporary empowerment for rescue. Ehud’s Dagger and the Culture of Deception An eighteen-inch blade hidden on the right thigh evades a guard’s left-side frisk. Similar surprise assassinations: Jael and Sisera (Judges 4:21), Joab and Amasa (2 Samuel 20:9-10). God occasionally uses subterfuge to topple oppressors (Joshua 8’s ambush). Moab, Ammon, and Amalek – Enemy Coalition • Moab and Ammon descend from Lot (Genesis 19:30-38). • Amalek is Israel’s oldest foe (Exodus 17:8-16). The triple alliance under Eglon shows how Israel’s compromise emboldens surrounding nations. Shamgar’s Oxgoad – Ordinary Tools, Extraordinary Results An oxgoad is a wooden pole tipped with iron, used to prod cattle. God turns farming gear into battlefield hardware, echoing Moses’ staff (Exodus 4:20) and David’s sling (1 Samuel 17:40). 1 Corinthians 1:27 sums it up: “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” Numbers of Rest – Forty and Eighty Forty years often mark a full generation (Exodus 16:35; Acts 7:23). Eighty years—a double portion—signals abundant grace after deeper repentance. Echoes of Deliverance • Like Ehud, Christ comes “in weakness” yet overthrows a greater tyrant (Hebrews 2:14-15). • Othniel prefigures Spirit-anointed leadership fulfilled perfectly in Jesus (Luke 4:18). • Shamgar’s single-handed act anticipates New Testament imagery of spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6:17). Lessons for Today’s Believer • Compromise with the world leads to bondage; separation preserves freedom (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). • God still hears the cry of repentance (Psalm 34:17). • The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people for extraordinary tasks. • Small acts of courage—whether wielding a dagger or an oxgoad—can change a nation when God directs them. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 1:2-4This passage speaks to the purpose of trials in developing perseverance and maturity in believers, echoing the testing of Israel in Judges 3. 1 Corinthians 10:13 This verse assures us that God provides a way out of temptation, similar to how He delivered Israel through judges. Romans 12:2 Encourages believers not to conform to the world, paralleling the call for Israel to remain distinct from the Canaanites. Teaching Points God's Purpose in Testing (Judges 3:1-4)The Lord left certain nations to test Israel, to see if they would obey His commandments. This highlights God's intention to refine and strengthen His people through trials. Israel's Disobedience (Judges 3:5-7) Despite God's clear instructions, the Israelites intermarried with the Canaanites and worshiped their gods, demonstrating the human tendency to stray from God's path. God's Discipline and Deliverance (Judges 3:8-11) When Israel cried out to the Lord, He raised up Othniel as a deliverer. This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a recurring theme in Judges, showcasing God's mercy and faithfulness. Ehud's Unconventional Deliverance (Judges 3:12-30) God used Ehud, a left-handed man, to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. This account reminds us that God can use unexpected means and people to accomplish His purposes. Shamgar's Brief but Impactful Role (Judges 3:31) Though only briefly mentioned, Shamgar's victory over the Philistines with an oxgoad illustrates that God empowers His chosen instruments, regardless of their resources. Practical Applications Embrace Trials as Opportunities for GrowthRecognize that God may use challenges to test and strengthen your faith, just as He did with Israel. Guard Against Compromise Be vigilant in maintaining your commitment to God, avoiding the temptation to adopt the values and practices of the surrounding culture. Cry Out to God in Times of Trouble Like the Israelites, turn to God in repentance and seek His deliverance when you face difficulties. Be Open to God's Unconventional Methods Trust that God can use unexpected people and means to bring about His plans in your life. Use What You Have for God's Glory Like Shamgar, utilize the resources and abilities God has given you to serve His purposes. People 1. OthnielOthniel is the first judge of Israel mentioned in Judges 3. He is described as the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. Othniel delivers Israel from the oppression of King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram. The text highlights that "the Spirit of the LORD came upon him" (Judges 3:10), empowering him to lead Israel to victory. The Hebrew root for "spirit" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), indicating divine empowerment. 2. Cushan-Rishathaim Cushan-Rishathaim is the king of Aram Naharaim who oppresses the Israelites for eight years. His name, which can be translated as "Cushan of double wickedness," reflects his oppressive rule over Israel. 3. Ehud Ehud is the second judge of Israel, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. He delivers Israel from the Moabite king Eglon by assassinating him. Ehud's left-handedness is significant, as it allows him to conceal a weapon and surprise Eglon. The Hebrew term for "left-handed" is "אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ" (itter yad-yemino), indicating a unique characteristic that God uses for deliverance. 4. Eglon Eglon is the king of Moab who, with the help of the Ammonites and Amalekites, oppresses Israel for eighteen years. He is described as a very fat man, which plays a role in the narrative of his assassination by Ehud. 5. Shamgar Shamgar is mentioned briefly as the third judge of Israel. He is noted for striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, delivering Israel. The Hebrew term for "oxgoad" is "מַלְמָד" (malmad), a tool used for driving oxen, symbolizing how God can use ordinary means for extraordinary deliverance. Places 1. CanaanCanaan is the land that the Israelites were commanded to conquer and possess. It is the region where many of the events in the Book of Judges take place. The name "Canaan" (כְּנַעַן, Kena'an) is often associated with the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. 2. Philistia Philistia refers to the territory of the Philistines, a group of people who were often in conflict with the Israelites. The Philistines are mentioned as one of the nations left to test Israel (Judges 3:3). 3. Sidon Sidon is a significant ancient Phoenician city, mentioned as part of the territory of the Sidonians. The Sidonians are listed among the nations left to test Israel (Judges 3:3). The Hebrew name is צִידוֹן (Tzidon). 4. Lebanon Lebanon is referenced in relation to the territory of the Sidonians, extending from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath (Judges 3:3). The Hebrew name is לְבָנוֹן (Levanon), known for its cedar trees. 5. Mount Baal-hermon This is a mountain mentioned as part of the northern boundary of the land where the remaining nations dwelled (Judges 3:3). The name reflects the worship of Baal, a Canaanite deity. 6. Lebo-hamath Lebo-hamath is mentioned as a northern boundary marker in the land of Canaan (Judges 3:3). The Hebrew term לְבוֹא חֲמָת (Levo Chamat) means "entrance of Hamath." 7. Moab Moab is a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites. Eglon, the king of Moab, oppressed Israel during the time of the judges (Judges 3:12-14). The Hebrew name is מוֹאָב (Mo'av). 8. Jericho Known as the "City of Palms," Jericho is where Eglon, king of Moab, established his rule over Israel (Judges 3:13). The Hebrew name is יְרִיחוֹ (Yericho). 9. Eglon While Eglon is primarily the name of the Moabite king, it is also used to refer to the area under his control, particularly around Jericho (Judges 3:12-14). 10. Seirah Seirah is the place to which Ehud escaped after assassinating Eglon, king of Moab (Judges 3:26). The Hebrew name is שְׂעִירָה (Se'irah). Events 1. Israel's Disobedience and TestingThe Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD by serving the Baals and Asherahs, leading to their oppression by surrounding nations. This disobedience was a test from God to see if they would obey His commandments (Judges 3:7-8). The Hebrew word for "evil" (רַע, ra) indicates moral wickedness, highlighting the gravity of their actions. 2. Othniel Delivers Israel Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, is raised by God as a deliverer. The Spirit of the LORD comes upon him, and he judges Israel, leading them to victory over Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. The land then has peace for forty years (Judges 3:9-11). The term "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) implies leadership and governance, not just legal judgment. 3. Israel's Return to Evil and Oppression by Moab After Othniel's death, the Israelites again do evil, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14). The cycle of sin and oppression continues, emphasizing the Israelites' recurring disobedience. 4. Ehud's Deliverance of Israel Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, is chosen by God to deliver Israel. He crafts a double-edged sword and assassinates Eglon, king of Moab, during a private meeting. Ehud then leads Israel to defeat the Moabites, securing eighty years of peace (Judges 3:15-30). The Hebrew term for "left-handed" (אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ, iter yad-yemino) suggests a unique skill that God uses for deliverance. 5. Shamgar's Victory over the Philistines Shamgar, son of Anath, strikes down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, delivering Israel (Judges 3:31). This brief account highlights God's use of unexpected means and individuals for deliverance. The term "oxgoad" (מַלְמָד, malmad) refers to a farming tool, underscoring the unconventional nature of Shamgar's weapon. Topics 1. Nations Left to Test Israel (Judges 3:1-4)This section discusses the nations that the Lord left in Canaan to test Israel. The purpose was to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not experienced the previous battles. The Hebrew word for "test" (נָסָה, nasah) implies a proving or trial to reveal character and faithfulness. 2. Israel's Disobedience and Idolatry (Judges 3:5-7) The Israelites lived among the Canaanites and adopted their practices, including idolatry. They served the Baals and Asherahs, which led to their downfall. The Hebrew term for "served" (עָבַד, avad) indicates a form of worship and submission, highlighting their spiritual infidelity. 3. Othniel, Israel's First Judge (Judges 3:8-11) God raised Othniel, the son of Kenaz, as a deliverer for Israel. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, leading them to victory over Cushan-Rishathaim. The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) means to govern or lead, emphasizing his role as a leader and deliverer. 4. Ehud Delivers Israel from Moab (Judges 3:12-30) Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, was raised by God to deliver Israel from Eglon, the king of Moab. Ehud's cunning plan and bravery led to the assassination of Eglon and subsequent victory over the Moabites. The narrative highlights God's sovereignty and the unexpected means He uses to deliver His people. 5. Shamgar Defeats the Philistines (Judges 3:31) Shamgar, son of Anath, struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, delivering Israel. This brief account underscores the theme of God using unlikely instruments and individuals to achieve His purposes. The Hebrew term for "oxgoad" (מַלְמָד, malmad) refers to a farming tool, symbolizing God's use of ordinary means for extraordinary deliverance. Themes 1. Testing and Proving Israel (Judges 3:1-4)The chapter begins by explaining that the LORD left certain nations in the land to test Israel. This theme highlights God's purpose in allowing these nations to remain: to test Israel's faithfulness and obedience to His commandments. The Hebrew word for "test" (נָסָה, nasah) implies a proving or trying of character. 2. Israel's Disobedience and Idolatry (Judges 3:5-7) Israel's failure to obey God's commands is evident as they intermarry with the Canaanites and serve their gods. This theme underscores the recurring cycle of disobedience and idolatry, which leads to their downfall. The Hebrew term for "serve" (עָבַד, avad) indicates a form of worship and submission to foreign gods. 3. Divine Retribution and Oppression (Judges 3:8) As a consequence of their disobedience, God allows Israel to be oppressed by foreign powers. This theme reflects the principle of divine retribution, where God uses other nations as instruments of judgment against Israel. The Hebrew root for "sold" (מָכַר, makar) conveys the idea of being given over or delivered into the hands of their enemies. 4. Crying Out to the LORD (Judges 3:9, 15) In their distress, the Israelites cry out to the LORD for deliverance. This theme emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking God's help in times of trouble. The Hebrew verb for "cry out" (זָעַק, za'aq) suggests a loud call for assistance, reflecting desperation and urgency. 5. Raising Up Judges as Deliverers (Judges 3:9-11, 15-30) God responds to Israel's cries by raising up judges to deliver them from oppression. This theme highlights God's mercy and faithfulness in providing leaders to rescue His people. The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) encompasses the roles of leadership, governance, and deliverance. 6. Empowerment by the Spirit of the LORD (Judges 3:10) The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Othniel, empowering him to lead and deliver Israel. This theme illustrates the divine empowerment necessary for effective leadership and victory. The Hebrew term for "Spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) signifies the breath or wind of God, symbolizing His presence and power. 7. Peace and Rest in the Land (Judges 3:11, 30) Following the deliverance by the judges, the land experiences periods of peace and rest. This theme reflects the temporary restoration and blessing that comes with obedience and divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "rest" (שָׁקַט, shaqat) implies tranquility and cessation from conflict. 8. The Cycle of Sin and Redemption (Judges 3:12-30) The chapter illustrates the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges. This theme serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for continual reliance on God's grace and mercy. The cycle underscores the repetitive nature of Israel's spiritual journey and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could Shamgar realistically kill 600 Philistines with a single oxgoad (Judges 3:31)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the repetitive cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation in Judges 3 mirror patterns in your own life? 2. How does God use adversity as a means of correction in this chapter? 3. Why do you think God chose individuals like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar as deliverers for His people? What qualities did they possess? 4. In the modern world, what might be some "foreign gods" that could lead us into spiritual apostasy like the Israelites? 5. How do intermarriages in Judges 3:5-7 relate to present-day relationships that may lead us away from our faith? 6. How does God demonstrate His mercy and justice in Judges 3? 7. What lessons can we learn from the leadership of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar in confronting today's challenges? 8. How does the narrative of Ehud’s unconventional approach to deliver Israel inspire you to use your unique talents? 9. Compare the leadership styles of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. How do these differences highlight God’s ability to use anyone for His purposes? 10. How can the periods of peace following the judges' deliverance inspire us in our times of trial? 11. How does the constant fall and redemption of the Israelites reflect human nature? 12. How can we break the cycle of sin in our personal lives as seen in Judges 3? 13. If you were in Ehud's situation, how would you have handled the confrontation with Eglon? 14. How do we see God’s sovereignty in Judges 3, and how does that provide comfort in today's world? 15. How does the story of Judges 3 encourage perseverance through difficult times? 16. How can you apply the faithfulness of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar in your everyday life? 17. How does the repeated disobedience of the Israelites mirror societal issues today? 18. How can we ensure we are not complacent in our faith, like the Israelites were after periods of peace? 19. What are some ways to combat idolatry and keep God as the center of our lives? 20. How does Judges 3 motivate us to seek God's intervention in our lives in times of adversity? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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