Judges 3:9

KJV

And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} cried {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068}, the LORD {H3068} raised up {H6965} a deliverer {H3467} to the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, who delivered {H3467} them, even Othniel {H6274} the son {H1121} of Kenaz {H7073}, Caleb's {H3612} younger {H6996} brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the people of Isra'el cried out to ADONAI, ADONAI raised up a savior for the people of Isra'el; and he rescued them; this was 'Otni'el, the son of Kalev's younger brother K'naz.

Berean Standard Bible

But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.

American Standard Version

And when the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah, Jehovah raised up a saviour to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:9 introduces the foundational pattern of divine intervention in the book of Judges, showcasing God's unwavering mercy and faithfulness in response to Israel's desperate cry. After eight years of oppression as a consequence of their idolatry, the verse marks the pivotal moment where the nation's distress leads to their supplication, prompting the LORD to sovereignly raise Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, as their first divinely appointed deliverer, thereby initiating a period of rest for the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 3:9 is the crucial turning point following the initial exposition of Israel's post-Joshua decline. The preceding verses, specifically [Judges 3:7](/judges/3-7 "Judges 3:7 - Israel's Idolatry"), detail Israel's grievous sin of forsaking the LORD and serving the Baalim and Asheroth, directly violating the covenant stipulations given at Sinai. This unfaithfulness, as warned in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), led to the LORD's anger and His allowing them to fall under the oppressive hand of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, for eight years ([Judges 3:8](/judges/3-8 "Judges 3:8 - Oppression by Cushan-rishathaim")). Verse 9 then presents the first instance of Israel's "crying out" to the LORD, signifying a moment of repentance and recognition of their utter helplessness, which immediately triggers God's merciful response and the raising of a deliverer. This establishes the cyclical pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation that will characterize the entire book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, following the conquest and preceding the monarchy, was a time of significant transition and instability for Israel. Lacking a centralized government or king, the tribes often acted independently, leading to internal disunity and external vulnerability. The land was still dotted with un-conquered Canaanite strongholds, and the surrounding nations posed constant threats. The cultural landscape was heavily influenced by the polytheistic practices of the Canaanites, particularly the worship of Baal (the storm god) and Asherah (his consort, a fertility goddess), which promised agricultural prosperity and military success. Israel's adoption of these practices, as seen in [Judges 3:7](/judges/3-7 "Judges 3:7 - Israel's Idolatry"), was a direct syncretistic compromise with the surrounding cultures, leading to spiritual apostasy. Cushan-rishathaim, king of Aram-naharaim ("Aram of the two rivers," i.e., Mesopotamia), represents an external power that God used as an instrument of discipline, highlighting Israel's vulnerability when they abandoned their covenant with the LORD.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Responsive Mercy and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, the LORD remains true to His covenant promises, responding with compassion when His people turn to Him in distress. Secondly, it explicitly introduces the **Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance**, a recurring pattern outlined in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of the Judges"), which involves Israel's sin, God's judgment through foreign oppression, Israel's cry for help, God's raising of a deliverer, and a subsequent period of peace. Thirdly, it highlights the concept of **Divinely Appointed Leadership**, as God "raised up" Othniel, indicating that these "judges" were not merely political or military leaders chosen by the people, but charismatic figures empowered by God for a specific redemptive purpose. Finally, Othniel's identity as "Caleb's younger brother" connects him to the faithful generation of the exodus and conquest, particularly to Caleb's unwavering trust in God ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness")), suggesting that God's chosen deliverers often emerge from a lineage of faith and proven courage, as evidenced by Othniel's earlier exploit in [Joshua 15:17](/joshua/15-17 "Joshua 15:17 - Othniel's Capture of Kirjath-sepher").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Hebrew, _tsa'aq'_):** This verb denotes a loud, desperate cry for help, often stemming from deep distress, anguish, or injustice. It is not merely a polite request but an impassioned plea, signifying a recognition of utter helplessness and a turning to the only One who can provide relief. In this context, it implies a shift from self-reliance or reliance on false gods to a desperate, perhaps even repentant, appeal to the LORD.
* **raised up (Hebrew, _qum'_):** This verb signifies God's active, sovereign initiation. It indicates that the deliverer was not a self-appointed leader or a product of human political maneuvering, but one divinely chosen and empowered by God Himself for the specific task of liberation. It underscores God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people, even when they have strayed.
* **deliverer (Hebrew, _moshia'_):** Derived from the root _yasha'_ (to save, deliver), this noun literally means "savior" or "one who brings salvation." It emphasizes that Othniel's ability to deliver Israel from their oppressors was not inherent in his own strength or military prowess alone, but was a result of divine empowerment. He functioned as God's instrument for salvation, foreshadowing the ultimate Savior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD":** This clause marks the turning point in Israel's suffering. Their "cry" signifies a recognition of their dire situation, a desperate appeal for divine intervention, and implicitly, a turning away from the false gods they had served. It is the moment of supplication that triggers God's merciful response, demonstrating His readiness to hear and act when His people acknowledge their need and turn to Him.
* **"the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel":** This highlights God's immediate and sovereign response to Israel's cry. The phrase "raised up" emphasizes divine initiative and appointment, indicating that the deliverer was God's chosen instrument. This action demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness, even when Israel has been unfaithful, and His compassionate nature in providing rescue for His distressed people.
* **"who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother":** This identifies the specific individual God chose as the first judge. Othniel's lineage connects him to Caleb, one of the two faithful spies who fully followed the LORD ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness")), and a key figure in the conquest generation. This connection lends him credibility and perhaps suggests a continuation of the spirit of faith and courage from the previous era. His role as the first deliverer sets the precedent for all subsequent judges, embodying the pattern of divine rescue through human agents.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 3:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is subtly introduced, foreshadowing the cyclical pattern of Israel's sin and God's deliverance that will dominate the book. The phrase "cried unto the LORD" becomes a recurring motif, emphasizing Israel's desperate state and God's consistent response. **Divine Intervention** is explicit, as the LORD actively "raised up a deliverer," underscoring His sovereignty and direct involvement in human affairs, even when His people are disobedient. There is also an element of **Irony** at play: despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and turning to false gods, it is the true God, the LORD, who remains faithful and responds to their cries. Furthermore, Othniel serves as a **Type** or **Foreshadowing** of future deliverers, and ultimately, of the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who would bring salvation from a far greater oppression. His connection to Caleb, a figure of unwavering faith, also serves as a subtle **Allusion** to the importance of faithfulness in God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:9 is a cornerstone verse, establishing the theological rhythm of the entire book and echoing themes found throughout the Old Testament. It powerfully demonstrates God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite His people's persistent unfaithfulness. Even when Israel abandons Him for idolatry, leading to divine discipline through oppression, God remains attentive to their desperate cries. His immediate response in raising a deliverer underscores His compassionate nature and His commitment to His promises, proving that His mercy triumphs over judgment when His people turn to Him. This pattern highlights the necessity of repentance and supplication as the pathway to experiencing God's restorative grace and deliverance, emphasizing that salvation ultimately originates from God's initiative, not human merit.

* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry and the LORD Hears")
* [Nehemiah 9:27](/nehemiah/9-27 "Nehemiah 9:27 - God Raising Saviors in Distress")
* [Isaiah 63:9](/isaiah/63-9 "Isaiah 63:9 - God's Presence and Deliverance in Affliction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:9 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our moments of greatest failure, when our own choices have led us into difficult circumstances, God remains merciful and responsive to our sincere cries. Just as Israel’s distress led them to acknowledge their need for the LORD, so too should our struggles drive us to humble prayer and dependence on God. This verse encourages us to cast aside self-reliance and false dependencies, turning instead to the one true God who hears and delivers. It reassures us that God is actively involved in our lives, ready to "raise up" help and provide solutions, often through unexpected means or individuals, when we genuinely seek His intervention. Our repentance, even a desperate cry born of affliction, is the catalyst for His restorative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "oppressions" in my life, whether internal or external, might be a consequence of straying from God, and how can I genuinely "cry unto the LORD" in response?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's immediate response to Israel's cry encourage me to be more consistent and earnest in my own prayer life, especially in times of distress?**
* **In what ways might God be "raising up" deliverers or solutions in my life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I recognize and cooperate with His divine provision?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow Israel to be oppressed by Cushan-rishathaim?**

Answer: God allowed Israel to be oppressed as a direct consequence of their disobedience and idolatry, as stated in [Judges 3:7](/judges/3-7 "Judges 3:7 - Israel's Idolatry"). This was not an act of arbitrary punishment but a disciplinary measure designed to bring them to repentance and back into covenant faithfulness. The oppression served as a painful but necessary reminder of the consequences of forsaking the LORD and turning to false gods, ultimately leading them to "cry unto the LORD" for deliverance. This pattern is consistent with God's warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") regarding the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

**What was Othniel's significance beyond being the first judge?**

Answer: Othniel's significance extends beyond merely being the first judge. His identity as "Caleb's younger brother" ([Judges 3:9](/judges/3-9 "Judges 3:9 - Othniel, the First Judge")) connects him directly to the faithful generation of the exodus and conquest. Caleb was renowned for his unwavering faith and courage, fully following the LORD ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness")). Othniel himself had previously demonstrated valor by capturing Kirjath-sepher ([Joshua 15:17](/joshua/15-17 "Joshua 15:17 - Othniel's Capture of Kirjath-sepher")), earning him Caleb's daughter, Achsah, as his wife. This background established Othniel as a figure of proven faithfulness and leadership, setting a high standard for the judges who would follow. He effectively inaugurated the "cycle of Judges" and demonstrated God's method of raising up charismatic leaders empowered by His Spirit to rescue His people.

**Does the "cycle of Judges" have relevance for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific historical context of Israel's national apostasy and foreign oppression differs, the underlying spiritual principles of the "cycle of Judges" remain profoundly relevant. Believers can fall into patterns of spiritual complacency or compromise, leading to various forms of "oppression" – whether internal struggles, relational brokenness, or external pressures. The "cry unto the LORD" represents the essential act of repentance, humility, and turning back to God in times of distress. This verse reminds us that God is always ready to hear and respond to His people's genuine cries for help, offering deliverance and restoration through His grace, often by empowering individuals or communities to bring about change, just as He "raised up a deliverer" in Othniel. It underscores the timeless truth that turning to God is the path to true freedom and peace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 3:9, with its portrayal of God raising a "deliverer" in response to Israel's desperate cry, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Othniel, like the other judges, provided temporary, localized, and often imperfect salvation from physical oppression. His deliverance brought a period of rest, but the cycle of sin and suffering inevitably resumed. This recurring pattern underscores humanity's deep-seated need for a permanent solution, a Deliverer who could break the cycle of sin once and for all. Jesus Christ is the true _Moshia'_ (Savior), not merely rescuing from external enemies but from the bondage of sin, death, and the power of darkness itself. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivering us from spiritual oppression that no human judge could ever address. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ delivers those who were enslaved by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Deliverance from Death")) and translates us from the domain of darkness into His kingdom of light ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Unlike Othniel, whose work was limited by time and human frailty, Christ's deliverance is eternal, comprehensive, and universally available to all who "cry unto the LORD" through faith in Him, demonstrating God's ultimate love for us while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

Judges 1:13

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Psalms 22:5

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Judges 10:10

¶ And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.

Judges 6:7

¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

Judges 4:3

And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

Judges 2:16

Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.