Othniel, the First Judge

⁷ The ·Israelites [^Lsons/^Tchildren of Israel] did ·what the Lord said was wrong [^Levil in the eyes/sight of the Lord]. They forgot about the Lord their God and served the ·idols of Baal [^LBaals; 2:11] and ·Asherah [^LAsherahs; ^Csacred trees or poles dedicated to the goddess Asherah; Deut. 16:21; Judg. 6:25]. ⁸ So the Lord ·was angry with [^Lburned in anger against] Israel and allowed ·Cushan-Rishathaim [or Cushan, the Doubly Wicked] king of ·northwest Mesopotamia [or Aram Naharaim; ^CNaharaim means “two rivers,” referring to Mesopotamia] to rule over the ·Israelites [^Lsons/^Tchildren of Israel] for eight years. ⁹ When Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord ·sent someone to save them [^Lraised up a deliverer]. Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, saved the Israelites. ¹⁰ The Spirit of the Lord ·entered [enpowered; came upon; was upon] Othniel, and he became Israel’s ·judge [leader; 2:16]. When he went to war, the Lord ·handed over to him [^Lgave into his hand] ·Cushan-Rishathaim [or Cushan, the Doubly Wicked; v. 8] king of ·northwest Mesopotamia [or Aram Naharaim; v. 8]. ¹¹ So the land was at ·peace [rest] for forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.