Israel under the 'judges': Othniel and Ehud

Judg 3:1-6    The Israelites live amongst the Philistines, Canaanites, Amorites and Hivites – with whom they inter-marry against God’s command (see Deuteronomy 7:1-4). They worship foreign gods and are defeated in battle.

Judg 3:7-8    King Cushan Rishathaim of Mesopotamia rules over Israel for eight years (see 1 on Map 50).

 

Jordan River at Kfar Hanasi

A ford across the River Jordan at Kfar Hanasi  (Beivushtang)

 

Othniel (c.1397BC - c.1344BC)

Judg 3:9-11    Othniel, Caleb's nephew, is filled with the Spirit of the LORD and defeats King Cushan Rishathaim of Mesopotamia in c.1397BC. Under Othniel, the Israelites prosper for forty years before there is a further setback.

 

Ehud (c.1344BC - c.1268BC)

Judg 3:12-30    King Eglon of Moab – to the east of the Jordan - captures Jericho in c.1361BC and rules Israel for 18 years  (see 2 on Map 50).

He is killed in c.1344BC by Ehud who crosses the River Jordan to present the Israelites’ tribute to the king at his summer palace in Moab. On his way back, near Gilgal, he decides to return to the palace and kills the king.

The Moabites are subsequently defeated at the fords across the Jordan, to the east of Jericho, and Moab becomes subject to Israel for eighty years.

Judg 3:31    During the time of Ehud, in c.1300BC, Shamgar intercepts a raiding party of Philistines moving inland from the southern coastal plain (see 3 on Map 50).  Shamgar kills six hundred Philistines with an ox-goad.

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