Othniel Delivers Israel from Aram
1367 BCE (approximate)
Israel’s first judge delivers them from eight years of oppression under Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim. After the Israelites did evil and served Baals and Asherahs, God gave them into the hands of this Mesopotamian king. When they cried out, God raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, he judged Israel, went to war, and the LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim into his hands. The land had peace for forty years until Othniel died.
This first deliverance establishes the cyclical pattern that will repeat throughout the judges period: apostasy → oppression → cry for help → God raises a deliverer → peace.