Judges
3 – Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar
The
Israelites married into all the tribes, even though God had strictly forbidden
it. The five lords of the Philistines and the other tribes mentioned in this passage
were enemies of the Israelites. Instead of driving the Canaanites out of the
land, Israel shared it with them. Their idolatry resulted in chastisement. God
sold them into slavery for eight years. They were oppressed to the point that
they called out to the Lord for help. When the children of Israel cried out to
Him for deliverance, He raised up Othniel to be their first judge. He was one of the better judges. He did not
become their leader because of his outstanding ability but because he was
Caleb’s nephew. And had married Caleb’s daughter. And yet God used him.
All
of the judges were “little men”. They were odd characters. Their very oddness
caused God to use them. Ehud was the second judge. He happened to be
left-handed, which gave him an opportunity to get rid of a man who was bringing
all kinds of tragedy into the lives of the Israelites. His act of killing Eglon
accomplished God’s purpose. Thousands of lives were saved because of what Ehud
did.
When
the Israelites went against God’s will, He delivered them into slavery. The
third judge, Shamgar used an ox goad, which is a very crude instrument. The
Israelites didn’t have any iron weapons, so he used that which he had. The
important thing is not the method, but the message. An ox goad can be dedicated
to God if it is in the right hands. God used the rod of Moses, a stone from the
slingshot of David, Dorcas had a needle and thread. All these things were given
to God.. If you put it in His hands, God will use it.
Please
read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.
If
you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.
J.
Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.
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