What does Judges 3:10 mean?

"And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim." - Judges 3:10

Judges 3:10 - "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim."

Judges 3:10 - "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim."

The verse Judges 3:10 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim."

This verse is part of the book of Judges in the Old Testament, which records the history of Israel after their settlement in the Promised Land and before the establishment of the monarchy. The book of Judges spans a period of approximately 300 years and is characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 3:10 specifically refers to a judge named Othniel, who was the first judge of Israel and is known for delivering Israel from the oppression of the king of Mesopotamia.

The verse begins with the statement, "And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him," which indicates that Othniel was empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out the task of delivering Israel. This highlights the theme of divine empowerment and the role of the Spirit in the affairs of men. Throughout the book of Judges, the Spirit of the Lord is depicted as coming upon various judges, enabling them to lead, judge, and deliver the people of Israel. This emphasizes the spiritual nature of the judges' leadership and the importance of relying on God's empowerment to fulfill their callings.

The verse goes on to say, "and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim." This portion of the verse underscores the dual role of the judges as both leaders and warriors. Othniel not only judged the people of Israel, but he also led them into battle against the oppressive king of Mesopotamia. This reflects the theme of military leadership and the reliance on God's intervention in times of conflict. Throughout the book of Judges, the judges are portrayed as military leaders who rely on God's guidance and deliverance to overcome their enemies.

The verse also highlights the concept of divine deliverance. It states, "and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand," emphasizing that it was the Lord who ultimately brought about the victory over the oppressive king. This theme of deliverance is central to the book of Judges, as each judge is raised up by God to deliver the Israelites from various forms of oppression. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and His willingness to intervene on their behalf when they turn to Him in repentance.

Furthermore, the verse provides an example of the sovereignty of God over the nations. Chushanrishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia, is portrayed as being delivered into the hand of Othniel by the Lord. This underscores the broader context of God's control over the affairs of human history and His ability to use different nations and rulers as instruments of His purpose. It also serves as a reminder that God is ultimately in control, even in the midst of political and military conflicts.

In terms of symbolism, Othniel's victory over Chushanrishathaim can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and oppression. Othniel served as a type of savior for the people of Israel, delivering them from their enemies and bringing about a period of peace and prosperity. Similarly, Jesus Christ is the ultimate deliverer who came to bring freedom from sin and spiritual bondage. The victory of Othniel serves as a symbolic representation of the larger theme of redemption and deliverance that is fulfilled in Christ.

In conclusion, Judges 3:10 conveys a rich and profound message about divine empowerment, military leadership, deliverance, God's sovereignty, and the broader theme of redemption. It provides valuable insights into the spiritual and historical significance of the judges in the Old Testament and their role in foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance brought about by Jesus Christ. As a foundational text in the biblical narrative, this verse continues to inspire and instruct believers in their understanding of God's redemptive purposes and His faithfulness to His people.

Judges 3:10 Artwork

Judges 3:10 - "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim."

Judges 3:10 - "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim."

Judges 10:3 - "¶ And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years."

Judges 10:3 - "¶ And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years."

Judges 10:5 - "And Jair died, and was buried in Camon."

Judges 10:5 - "And Jair died, and was buried in Camon."

Judges 12:10 - "Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Beth-lehem."

Judges 12:10 - "Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Beth-lehem."

Judges 13:3 make the Angel of the Lord male

Judges 13:3 make the Angel of the Lord male

Judges 10:2 - "And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir."

Judges 10:2 - "And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir."

Judges 9:10 - "And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us."

Judges 9:10 - "And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us."

Zephaniah 3:3 - "Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow."

Zephaniah 3:3 - "Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow."

Psalms 2:10 - "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth."

Psalms 2:10 - "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth."

Judges 3:6 - "And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."

Judges 3:6 - "And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."

Judges 5:10 - "Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way."

Judges 5:10 - "Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way."

Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."

Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."

Ezra 10:3

Ezra 10:3

Judges 3:14 - "So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years."

Judges 3:14 - "So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years."

Ezra 10:3

Ezra 10:3

Judges 7:10 - "But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:"

Judges 7:10 - "But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:"

Judges 3:5 - "¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:"

Judges 3:5 - "¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:"

Judges 3:26 - "And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath."

Judges 3:26 - "And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath."

1 Corinthians 4:3 - "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self."

1 Corinthians 4:3 - "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self."

Proverbs 3:9-10

Proverbs 3:9-10

Judges 3:3 - "Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath."

Judges 3:3 - "Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath."

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 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 3:17 - "And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man."

Judges 3:17 - "And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man."

Psalms 10:18 - "To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."

Psalms 10:18 - "To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."

Judges 10:7 - "And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon."

Judges 10:7 - "And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon."

Judges 10:13 - "Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more."

Judges 10:13 - "Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more."

Isaiah 3:13 - "The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people."

Isaiah 3:13 - "The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people."

Romans 3:6 - "God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?"

Romans 3:6 - "God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?"

Judges 3:30 - "So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years."

Judges 3:30 - "So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years."

Judges 3:23 - "Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them."

Judges 3:23 - "Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them."