1. God Sends the Judges: Othniel

2. Introduction
Joshua died, as well as Israel's faithfulness. Judg 2:6-10
A generation of people who did not know the Lord.
Due to influence, the Israelites abandon the Lord and began serve the Baals, doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. (Judges 2:11-13)

3. The Need for Judges
God used the heathen nations to test and punish Israel. Judg 2:14-15, ; 3:1, 4-6
Israel would have a cycle of disobedience, plunder, repentance, and deliverance. Judg 2:16-20
This cycle would continue until the end of the era of judges with the appointment of Saul as king.

4. The First Judge: Othniel
God raised up Othniel, which means lion of God.
Othniel was the son of Kenaz who was the brother of Caleb. Josh 15:17
Othniel had two sons, Hathath and Meonothai. 1 Chr 4:13

5. The First Judge: Othniel
Two known events.
The first event came before the time of the judges. Josh 15:16-19; Judg 1:11-15
The second recorded event was Othniel's role as a judge. Judg 3:7-11

6. Lessons Learned Avoid evil influences.
Israel began to follow in the ways of the wicked people in the land.
Do not follow in the wicked ways of the world.
Eph 4:17-20
1 Pet 4:1-5
2 Pet 2:20
Rom 13:11-14

7. Lessons Learned It is possible for a child of God to forget God.
Israel forgot God when they served the false gods of the land.
If Christians do not grow as they should, then they will, in a sense, forget God. Peter warns that it is possible to forget that Jesus died for you. 2 Pet 1:8-10