Commentary on Judges 3

Judges 3 introduces the recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that defines the book of Judges. It begins by explaining why God left certain nations in Canaan—to test Israel's obedience and train its generations in warfare. The chapter then details the first three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Othniel delivers Israel from Cushan-Rishathaim, bringing forty years of peace. Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, cunningly assassinates Eglon, the obese king of Moab, leading to eighty years of rest. Shamgar's brief mention highlights his single-handed defeat of 600 Philistines with an ox goad, a testament to God's power through unlikely means.

Historical context

The Book of Judges chronicles the period in Israel's history between the death of Joshua and the rise of the monarchy, roughly from 1375 to 1050 BC. It is a turbulent era characterized by a lack of central leadership, moral decline, and repeated cycles of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance. The author is traditionally believed to be Samuel, though the book itself does not explicitly name him. The audience was likely the Israelites living under the early monarchy, who needed to understand the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of faithful leadership.

Chapter 3 specifically sets the stage for the entire book's thematic pattern. The nations left in Canaan (Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, Hivites) were not merely remnants of incomplete conquest but served a divine purpose: to test Israel's faithfulness to the covenant and to teach the younger generations how to fight (Judges 3:1-4). This context is crucial for understanding why God allowed these enemies to remain, despite His earlier command to utterly drive them out (Deut 7:1-5). It highlights God's sovereignty even in Israel's failures and His use of challenging circumstances for their spiritual formation.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  These are the nations the LORD left to test all those in Israel who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan.

  This verse immediately establishes a key theological premise for the entire book. The remaining nations were not an oversight but a deliberate act of God. Their presence served as a test of Israel's loyalty to the covenant, particularly for the generations that had not personally witnessed the initial conquest under Joshua.

• 2:

  He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.

  Beyond testing, God also intended for these nations to serve as a training ground. The Israelites needed to learn how to fight, not just for physical defense, but also to understand their reliance on God in battle. This suggests that spiritual warfare and physical conflict were intertwined in their experience.

• 4:

  These nations were left to test Israel—to see whether Israel would obey the commands the LORD had given Moses.

  This verse reiterates the primary purpose of the remaining nations: a test of obedience. The core issue was not merely military prowess but covenant faithfulness. Would Israel remain distinct and devoted to YHWH, or would they assimilate with the idolatrous cultures around them?

• 7:

  The Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight. They forgot the LORD their God and worshiped the images of Baal and the Asherah poles.

  Here begins the tragic cycle. Israel's forgetfulness of God led directly to idolatry, specifically the worship of Baal (the Canaanite storm god) and Asherah (a fertility goddess). This spiritual adultery was a direct violation of the first two commandments and the heart of their covenant with God.

• 9:

  But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD raised up a deliverer to rescue them. His name was Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.

  God, in His mercy, responds to Israel's cry. Othniel, the first judge, is introduced. His connection to Caleb (Judges 1:13) links him to a generation of faithfulness and courage, suggesting a glimmer of hope and continuity with Israel's past victories.

• 10:

  The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and Othniel became Israel’s judge. He went out to battle, and the LORD gave him victory over King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram Naharaim.

  The empowerment by the Ruach YHWH (רוח יהוה), the Spirit of the LORD, is a recurring theme for the judges. This divine anointing signifies that their leadership and military success were not of their own strength but a direct work of God. Othniel's victory brings forty years of peace.

• 15:

  Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help, and the LORD again raised up a deliverer for them. His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin.

  The cycle repeats: sin, oppression, cry, deliverance. Ehud is introduced with a unique detail: he is left-handed. This seemingly minor detail becomes crucial to his plan, as it allowed him to conceal his weapon on his right thigh, an unexpected place for a right-handed culture.

• 21:

  Then Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled out the dagger from his right thigh, and plunged it deep into Eglon’s belly.

  This vivid and somewhat grotesque description highlights Ehud's cunning and the decisive nature of his act. Eglon's extreme obesity (v. 17) is emphasized, making the assassination even more impactful and ensuring his death. God uses Ehud's unconventional skill for His purposes.

• 26:

  While Ehud was escaping, Eglon’s servants waited. When they saw that he didn’t open the door, they suspected something was wrong. So they took a key, opened the door, and there was their master, dead on the floor.

  Ehud's escape is facilitated by the servants' delay, which is attributed to Eglon's privacy for his

Key themes

• Divine testing and training
• The cycle of sin and deliverance
• God's mercy and faithfulness
• Empowerment by the Spirit of the Lord
• God using unlikely instruments

Application

Judges 3 reminds us that God's purposes are often at work even in our seasons of struggle and disobedience. The nations left in Canaan were a test and a training ground for Israel, much like the challenges we face today can be opportunities for spiritual growth and dependence on God. When we find ourselves in cycles of sin and consequence, this chapter offers a profound comfort: God is faithful to hear our cries for help, even when our distress is self-inflicted.

The stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar illustrate that God uses ordinary—and sometimes unconventional—people to accomplish His extraordinary will. We are not called to be perfect, but to be available. The empowerment of the Spirit that came upon the judges points us forward to the ultimate Judge and Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's justice and mercy. Our deliverance from sin's oppression comes not from our own strength or cleverness, but through His finished work, enabling us to live in true freedom and peace.

Frequently asked questions