“OTHNIEL”
Season 3: Judges
Episode 1: “Othniel”
Today’s Bible Bite: Judges 3:1-11
Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOYy8iCfIJ4 (The Bible Project – Judges for adults and older children)
No video for younger children - tell the story!
“But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD raised up a rescuer to save them.” (Judges 3:9)
During the time of Joshua’s leadership, the people of Israel were able to move into the land of Canaan, though many Canaanites still lived in the land. Unfortunately, after Joshua died, many of the Israelites began to adopt the practices of the Canaanites…worshiping false gods and even sacrificing their children! God was not happy. This was exactly what He had warned them about. So, God allowed them to be conquered by a king named Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim…how’s that for a mouthful? He was not a good king and he treated the Israelites harshly.
The people had turned away from God, but when they found themselves being treated so badly, they cried out to God and asked that He rescue them. And God did. God helped Joshua’ nephew Othniel defeat King Cushan-rishathaim who had ruled over the Israelites for eight years. After Othniel rescued the people, he became the Israelites new leader (also called ‘judge’) and the people once again worshiped God for forty years until Othniel died. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t last and they would need God to rescue them again…but that’s tomorrow’s story.
Think about it...
• God had helped the people of Israel move into their new home with Joshua’s help. What did the people begin to do after Joshua had died?
• They began adopting the behaviours and religions of the people of the land of Canaan. How?
• Because the people had decided that they didn’t need God’s help, He removed His protection. What happened?
• The people realized their mistake and pleaded with God to help them. How did God rescue them?
Prayer: Thank you, God, that even when we make mistakes, you are always ready and willing to help us when we admit our mistakes and ask you to forgive us. You are a good God and want only the best for us. Help us not to put our trust in other stuff.