Judges 3: A Detailed Explanation

 

Judges 3: A Detailed Explanation

Introduction to the Chapter

Judges 3 marks the beginning of Israel’s cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance by God-appointed judges. This chapter introduces three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Each of them was used by God to deliver Israel from oppression after they had turned away from Him.

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1. The Nations Left to Test Israel (Judges 3:1-6)

At the start of Judges 3, the Bible tells us that certain nations were left in the land to test Israel:

• The Philistines (rulers of the five major cities in Gaza)

• The Canaanites

• The Sidonians

• The Hivites living in Mount Lebanon

God allowed these nations to remain to test Israel and see whether they would obey His commandments. Instead of following God's laws, however, Israel intermarried with the Canaanites, worshiped their gods (Baal and Asherah), and abandoned the one true God.

Lesson: When believers compromise with the world, they risk losing their faith. Israel’s choice to intermarry with pagan nations led them into idolatry and rebellion against God.

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2. The First Judge: Othniel (Judges 3:7-11)

Israel’s Sin and Oppression

• The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord.

• They forgot the Lord and served the Baals and Asherahs.

• Because of this, God handed them over to Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Aram-Naharaim (Mesopotamia).

• Israel was oppressed for eight years under this king.

God Raises Othniel

• The people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help.

• God raised up Othniel, the son of Kenaz (Caleb’s younger brother), as Israel’s first judge.

• The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he led Israel to victory over Cushan-Rishathaim.

• The land had peace for forty years until Othniel died.

Lesson: When people repent and cry out to God, He is always faithful to send deliverance. Othniel’s success was not by human strength but by the Spirit of the Lord.

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3. The Second Judge: Ehud (Judges 3:12-30)

Israel’s Sin and Oppression (Judges 3:12-14)

• Once again, Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord.

• As a result, God gave them into the hands of Eglon, king of Moab.

• Eglon, along with the Ammonites and Amalekites, attacked Israel and captured Jericho (the City of Palms).

• Israel served Eglon for eighteen years.

Ehud’s Mission (Judges 3:15-23)

• Israel cried out to God, and He raised up Ehud, son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin.

• Ehud was left-handed, an important detail in the story.

• Israel sent him to deliver tribute (taxes) to Eglon.

• Ehud secretly made a double-edged sword about 18 inches long and hid it under his clothing on his right thigh.

• After presenting the tribute, Ehud told Eglon, "I have a secret message for you."

• When the king dismissed his attendants, Ehud approached and said, "I have a message from God for you."

• Ehud stabbed Eglon in the stomach with the sword, and because Eglon was very fat, the sword sank in completely, and his bowels discharged.

• Ehud locked the doors and escaped.

Israel’s Victory (Judges 3:24-30)

• The servants waited, thinking Eglon was using the bathroom.

• By the time they entered, Ehud had already escaped to Seirah.

• He blew the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and Israel rallied behind him.

• Israel defeated 10,000 Moabites, securing freedom.

• The land had peace for 80 years.

Lesson: God can use unlikely people and creative strategies to bring deliverance. Ehud’s left-handedness gave him an advantage because soldiers were usually checked for weapons on the left thigh (for right-handed men).

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4. The Third Judge: Shamgar (Judges 3:31)

• Shamgar son of Anath was Israel’s third judge.

• He killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad (a long wooden stick used for guiding oxen).

• He saved Israel from oppression.

Lesson: God can use ordinary people and simple tools to achieve great victories. Shamgar had no sword or army, yet he delivered Israel with just an oxgoad.

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Themes and Lessons from Judges 3

1. Sin Brings Oppression

   • Each time Israel sinned, they suffered under foreign rule.

   • When people turn away from God, they lose His protection.

2. God Hears the Cry of His People

   • Each time Israel cried out, God sent a deliverer.

   • God is merciful and faithful to forgive those who repent.

3. God Uses Unlikely People

   • Othniel was from Caleb’s family, showing that a faithful heritage can make a difference.

   • Ehud, a left-handed man, used an unexpected method to defeat the enemy.

   • Shamgar used an oxgoad, proving that God can use even the simplest tools for great victories.

4. Obedience Brings Peace

   • Under Othniel, Israel had 40 years of peace.

   • Under Ehud, they had 80 years of peace.

   • When people obey God, He grants peace and security.

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Conclusion

Judges 3 shows the cycle of Israel’s history—sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. God raised up judges to lead His people out of oppression, but their victories were only temporary because Israel repeatedly turned away from God. This pattern continued throughout the book of Judges until Israel demanded a king.

The chapter teaches us about God’s justice, His mercy, and how He can use unexpected people for His purposes. Today, we can learn that when we call on God, He hears us and delivers us, just as He did for Israel.