Overview:

Judges 3:7-5 is a section of the book of Judges that highlights the cycle of disobedience and deliverance of the Israelites. In this section, the Israelites fall into sin, God allows them to be oppressed by their enemies, and then raises up a judge to deliver them. The judge in this section is Othniel, who defeats the king of Aram and brings peace to the land for 40 years.

Noteworthy Elements:

1. The Israelites’ disobedience: The section begins with the Israelites falling into sin and worshipping other gods. This disobedience leads to their oppression by the king of Aram.

2. Othniel’s leadership: Othniel is described as a “mighty warrior” and is raised up by God to deliver the Israelites. He defeats the king of Aram and brings peace to the land.

3. Ehud’s assassination of Eglon: After Othniel’s death, the Israelites again fall into sin and are oppressed by the king of Moab. Ehud, another judge raised up by God, assassinated the king of Moab and delivers the Israelites.

4. Deborah and Barak’s leadership: The Israelites again fall into sin and are oppressed by the king of Canaan. Deborah, a prophetess, and Barak lead the Israelites in battle and defeat the Canaanite army.

5. God’s faithfulness: Throughout this section, God remains faithful to the Israelites even when they fall into sin. He raises up judges to deliver them and brings peace to the land.

Study Questions:

1. Why do the Israelites repeatedly fall into sin?

2. What does the section teach us about God’s faithfulness?

3. How do the judges in this section demonstrate leadership?

4. What can we learn from Ehud’s assassination of Eglon?

5. What role does Deborah play in the deliverance of the Israelites?