Bible Strands
Judges 3:10
The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the immediate aftermath of the Israelites' cry for deliverance, identifying Othniel as the appointed judge. The text places this moment at the threshold of military conflict against Cushan-rishathaim.
The words — רֽוּחַ־יְהוָה (ruach-Yahweh) translates literally as "spirit of Yahweh" and denotes the divine empowerment that comes upon Othniel. וַ/יִּשְׁפֹּט (va/yishpot) means "and he judged," indicating his authoritative leadership and subsequent march to battle.
The thread — The narrative pattern of the Spirit coming upon a leader for deliverance appears in Judges 11:29 with Jephthah and Judges 13:25 and 14:6 with Samson. Each instance precedes a military campaign initiated by divine action.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe that deliverance originates from divine initiative rather than human preparation. It demands acknowledgment that leadership and victory are granted by the LORD.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Judges 11:29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead. And from there he advanced against the Ammonites.
- Judges 13:25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
- Judges 14:6 and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
- Judges 14:19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,
- 1 Samuel 11:6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger.
- 2 Chronicles 15:1 Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded.
- Judges 6:34 So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him.
- Numbers 24:2 When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
- Numbers 27:18 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.
- Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.