Peace

O. T. #511  "Peace"
May 5, 2015
Judges 3-Part 2
Then the land was peaceful 40 years, and Othniel son of Kenaz died.  Judges 3:11

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it nice when there is peace in our family, peace with our friends, a peaceful atmosphere at work? It seems like there is always a conflict around. Someone gets their feelings hurt, feathers ruffled. Who couldn't use some peace in your world?

Israel was oppressed for 8 years by Chushan-rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia. Cush was the father of Nimrod, who established the Babylonian civilization, which was later overrun by the Kassites. This land is modern Iraq. The modern designation of the term Mesopotamia for the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (ancient Babylon) was not commonly used until the fourth century B.C. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
There's our  history lesson for the day.

You will recall that Israel disobeyed God and did not destroy the pagans living around and in their Promised Land. Thus, they intermarried and added their idol worship into their lives. This angered the Lord. Moses and Joshua warned Israel of such practices.
Repentance of the Israelites brought an end to this 8 year oppression when the Lord raised up a deliverer-Othniel.

How gracious and patient is the Lord toward us sinners! He continues to love us when we go astray.


LET IT GROW


Othniel? You recall him, don't you? Caleb offered his daughter in marriage to the man who conquered the city of Debir. Who did so? Othniel, which was also Caleb's younger brother's son. (Judges 1)

Now that we got that cleared up, let's look at what Othniel was doing here, in verse 10:

• He was Israel's first judge. (verse 9)
• The source of his power is indicated-the spirit of the LORD came upon him. (verse 10)
• He judged Israel and led them back to God.
• He went out to war.
• The invading king was delivered into Othniel's hand.
• The land rested 40 years under Judge Othniel, indicating it was free from foreign interference during the rest of Othniel's generation. 

Othniel had a rich spiritual heritage-his uncle was Caleb, a man with unwavering faith in God (Numbers 13:30; 14:24). The Holy Spirit is available to all believers today, but He will come upon believers in an extraordinary way for special tasks. We should ask the Holy Spirit's help as we face our daily problems as well as life's major challenges. (Life Application Study Bible)

Are we seeking His help and filling? Do we spread peace around us?


LET IT GO

Help others find the peace of God through Jesus Christ.