After the death of Joshua and the generation of Israelites that entered the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Israelites chose to worship the gods of their neighbors. For their evil ways, God allowed a neighboring kingdom to dominate the Israelites for a period of eight years. When the Israelites asked God for help, He empowered Othniel, a nephew of Caleb, with His Spirit of wisdom and courage. Othniel led the Israelites back to a relationship of obedience and trust in God. Under his leadership, the Israelites overpowered the oppressors and were at peace for the next forty years, until the death of Othniel. [Reflection based on the Bible Reference – Judges 3:7-11]
