When you're surrounded by challenges

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means. Let's see where this takes us! 

Judges 3

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Othniel seems like an underrated or unsung hero. I didn't remember his name from earlier Bible readings or classes, much like I'd forgotten a lot of information in school classes that I was required to take. 

But he captured land for his uncle Caleb and got to marry Caleb's daughter Achsah. 

And, after Israel started following other gods and was subdued for eight years, Othniel led their liberation and seemed to be the default "leader" of the state-less nation of Israel for 40 years. That is, for a whole generation.

Othniel, then, seemed to be the last of the "old guard," instrumental in the conquest of Canaan and then Israel's first liberator. 

After he's gone, and Israel is forced to serve other nations for 18 years, Ehud rises up to lead another liberation. 40 years of Othniel plus another 18 in submission means we're now well over a century since the Exodus. It's easy to "forget" the teachings or religion of ancestors, the more distant those ancestors become.

In any case, the surrounding (and intermingling) nations provide a challenge to Israel. And as I've mentioned repeatedly, Israel is you. Maintain faith in The LORD, your highest self, then your habits will reflect that, and you will remain strong and secure. If you lose faith by worshiping other gods (the things in the world), you will weaken and be overcome and enslaved.

But you can always turn back to that higher self and be liberated once again.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support! You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)