April 9, 2025 • 37 mins
# 124 - Othniel: The Lord's Man - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Israel begins their conquest of Canaan, but instead of wholehearted obedience, they settle for compromise. As courage gives way to convenience, God’s people face the painful consequences of partial devotion—and a divine warning that will shape their future.
Episode 124 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.
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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”
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Show Notes:
(01:31) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(03:12) Othniel: The Lord's Man
(30:11) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people. Caleb marched with his men.
Although his bones were weary and his arm could no
longer swing with fervor, he still led his people well.
He was a master tactician, having learned every trick of
the trade from Joshua.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Men of Judah remember the promise.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Together forward aach haussak ms.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Caleb charged, but his stride was abruptly cut off by another,
a youth named Othniel, son of Caleb's brother.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
Kenaz weikley men to Arthbiel's aid.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
The lion of Judah had roared, and none could stand
before it. But not every tribe was a lion. Manassa,
Ephraim and Zebulun grew tired, their swords dulled, and their
spirits dulled faster. The Canaanites were cunning. They offered gifts,
daughters in marriage, and alliances whispered in the night. The
(01:05):
men of Israel took them. They had forsaken the promises
made before Joshua.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
You have done this to yourselves.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
I gave you the land, I made you a people,
but you made covenance with my enemies.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
You lay with them.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
Now there shall be thorns in your side.
Speaker 5 (01:33):
One leader can fight a battle for boundaries, but the
heart of the people isn't one with a sword Shelloh
my friends, from here in the holy land of Israel,
i'm ya l extein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories
(01:54):
filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning
of life. Through Israe story, we will find this truth
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling
extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if
you left us a review. I read every single one
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of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about
the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can
visit IFCJ dot org. Let's begin. Israel cries out once again.
They find themselves tangled in chains of their own making,
captured by their own disobedience. But this time there's a
(02:37):
glimmer of hope. A new leader rises, a warrior faith
of courage. His name is O'utniel. He's the first of
many judges, the first deliverer in a kingdom without a king.
But how long can one leader keep Israel's heart from straying?
How long can a single hand hold back the tide
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of rebellion? And can one man alone change the heart
of a people? Let's dive into this cinematic retelling of
Judges three six to eleven. Otniel, the Lord's man.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
The moon hung low over the forests of Canaan. Beneath
its gaze, the land seemed alive, veiled in mists that
coiled and slithered through the ancient trees like serpents. The
gnarled branches stretched heavenward their leaves Nearly gone. Winter had come,
(03:35):
and with it the biting frost that pried its way
into every crevice, even the hearts of men. Yet Othniel,
the warrior of Judah, found peace in the cold. Wrapped
in the quiet embrace of the woods, he leaned against
a towering oak whose roots twisted deep into the bones
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of the earth. His breath rose in soft clouds, mingling
with the tendrils of mist that clung to the underbrush.
Though his neck still bore the dark bruises of King
Adoni Bezek's iron grip, he was alive, and the city
had fallen. Judah's victory had been blood earned, and Othniel
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gave silent thanks to the Lord for sparing his life.
Othniel stood silently in the forest.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
He listened.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
The forest murmured softly around him, the crackle of frost,
the gentle rustling of leaves disturbed by unseen creatures. But
these sounds were not what he sought. He waited for
the voice. It was said that God had spoken to
Moses as one speaks to a friend. Othniel, son of Kenaz,
(04:52):
longed to hear such a voice. The sound of footsteps
in the frost brought him back to the present. He
rose swiftly, his hand falling instinctively to the hilt of
his blade. But the intruder was no enemy. It was Abdiel,
a tribesman of Judah and a fellow warrior. He held
a torch in one hand and a wine skin in
(05:13):
the other.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Last in your meditation, again, off, Neil. If you remain
still in this cold forest for too long, he'll become
like one of these trees.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Ah. Would that be so terrible to be a free
to grow tall and steady, reaching ever upward toward the heavens.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
You're quite the poet.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Too bad we were born in times of war.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Abdel took a sip of the wine skin, hoping the
alcohol would warm him from the unforgiving cold. He shivered
in place and brought the torch closer.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Caleb is gathering the men together. Come, we mustn't be late.
You can continue whatever.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
It is you were doing.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Afterward, the two men walked through the moss veiled trail
back to camp. A clearing in the trees opened up,
and the peace of the forest gave way to the
busy Israelite camp Fires were lit every twenty feet for light.
At the heart of the camp stood a great fire,
and before it the aged warrior Caleb. His breath rose
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in plumes of smoke as he spoke.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
We stand at the edge of our inheritance. The city
of Debier lies before us, the citadel of thorns, guarded
by ruthless men who worshiped gods of wood and stone.
We have we have bled to reach this place, and
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now a yes, who among you will bleed once more
to see it?
Speaker 1 (06:55):
For the murmur rippled through the crowd, fear, doubt, the
whispers of men who had seen too many battles and
buried too many brothers. Caleb raised his hand to quiet them.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
I will not command you to go, but know this,
he who takes the city will be a hero among
our people. In addition to this, he will have my
daughter Akish as his bride.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
The murmurs grew louder.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Surprize, indeed, as who's beauty is famous Judah.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
But Othnil heard none of it. His heart was racing,
and his palms were damp despite the winter's chill. A voice,
not booming but quiet, stirred within him, a whisper in
the depths of his soul. Before he knew it, he
was stepping forward. Abdil caught his arm, his face pale
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with alarm.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Osniel, what are you doing?
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Othneil broke through the crowd beside the fire and stood
before Caleb. The flame reflected in Othniel's eyes. Caleb had
seen those eyes before, He had witnessed the intensity of
God's spirit moving through Joshua for many years, and now
standing before Caleb in the cold, was a man possessed
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by that same power.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
I will go.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Othniel knelt on the ground and clenched his fist.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
I am your man. I will lead our people into
the bill.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
A smile curled around Caleb's face. He stood with trembling
knees and placed a hand on Othniel's head.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Othniel, son of Kamas, my brother, you are not my man,
You are the Lord's man. Go only be strong and courageous,
man of Judah, A man of God stands here before you.
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Follow him if you are braving up.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
The crowd erupted in cheers, and the warriors of Judah chanted,
banging their spears against their shields. Othniel stood up straight.
The spirit of the Lord had come upon him. This
was his moment to rise. The sun had not yet
risen when Othniel and his men slipped into the icy
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waters of the brook. The men waited for nightfall and
secured their swords, shields, and spears to their backs. In
a single file line. Behind Othniel, they crouched into the water.
The current was swift and biting, clawing at their flesh
like a living thing, but they pressed on their breaths
low and measured as they waded through the water. Othniel
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didn't think about the prize of Caleb's daughter or the
glory of victory. He was simply heeding the care of
the voice the spirit of God. The others rode the
wake of his confidence forward. They were all uncertain of
what would await them in de Beer. The current grew
more violent as they approached the city's edge. There was
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an opening within the walls where people came to gather water.
All was silent save for the low breaths of Othniel
and his men waiting. Othniel looked up. The sun was
barely beginning to crest over the horizon. Othneil rose his arms, slowly,
poising to give his men the signal. His eyes remained
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on the sun. Then, finally, as its glare stabbed at
the eyes of the watchman on the tower, othnil unsheathed
his sword.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Move quitney, and do not relent until the city is taken.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Othneil's legs burst out of the water and threw the
small opening into the city. It took less than a
second for his blade to find the throat of a
Canaanite guard. Abdiel watched his flank, throwing the dagger at
the archer watching from the wall. The rest of the
men scattered, using the element of surprise to their advantage.
It didn't take long for the people of de Beer
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to catch wind of the attack. However, by that time
Othnil had already set the temples and palaces on fire.
Flames engulfed the city and pandemonium started to set in.
Othmil had them right where he wanted them, scattering in chaos.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
Othr Look, more warriors are coming from the west.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
A Canaanite horde poured in from the western side of
the city with spears and arrows. Othniel stood his ground,
rolled his shoulders back.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And ran toward them.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
He was the Lord's man. Indeed, with the same spirit
that once empowered Joshua to charge into battle, Othniel cut
through the enemy with poetic force. Two men met Othniel
with swords in hand. Othmoil parried one advance and dodged another.
He rolled to the left, cutting one of them at
the calf. He parried a downward strike, then shifted his
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feet and drove his sword into the man's stomach. He
hopped back and smashed the other with the heel of
his foot. Othniel looked up, and many more men were
coming after him. He couldn't beat that many on his own.
Othniel looked to the horse's stables and ran. The warriors
were in pursuit behind him. Othniel tied a rope around
the beams holding up the stables. He secured the rope
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to two horses and waited for the men to enter.
Once they came in, he struck the horses and sent
them running. They pulled the beams down, and the stables
came crashing over the men. Othneil drenched the wood and
hay in oil and lit it on fire. It didn't
take much longer for the entire city to be taken.
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Idols were burnt, and the altars of evil were destroyed.
Othniel's bravery had won the day. He panted in exhaustion
and overlooked the desolation of the city. Abdel raised his
sword to Othniel. The men chanted his name, and praise
was offered on his behalf. Othniel smiled, pleased that the
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Lord had granted him this moment of victory. It was springtime,
and the forests surrounding the city of Debier bloomed with
vibrant hues of pink, white, and orange. The city of
Dabiir had been claimed by Judah all thanks to Othnil.
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Caleb basked in the city's glory, divvying out the land
according to what God had commanded. Now that there was
peace in the land and all the city's inhabitants were
driven out, it was time for the arrangement of Othnil
and Axar, Caleb's daughter. The two of them had grown
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fond of one another and often met beside the river
to talk about their dreams for the future. Othnil was
quiet and contemplative, and Axar was loquacious and opinionated. She
sang ballads of beautiful fields and crested waterfalls, and danced
to the springtime breeze. Othnil had fallen very much in
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love with her, and she adored his strength of character
and devotion to his people. The two of them were
wed before their family and tribesmen. There was dancing, celebration,
and unending music. Othniel laughed alongside his new bride and
held her tightly. For all his conquest and glory, all
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he truly desired was to be by her side. Axar
held Othniel closely and gazed into his eyes. She ran
her hands through his curly dark hair and smiled. Her
voice was gentle, yet filled with a charisma, that often
left Othniel speechless.
Speaker 6 (14:41):
Let's make a life for ourselves elsewhere, away from the border,
wars and politics. Ah, let's find peace in the land
of Negab, near the springs of water. We can start
a family farm and rest until we apart from this earth.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
Your father is devane Jose up the lamb. He alone
decides where we plant our roots.
Speaker 6 (15:05):
Then let's ask him. Ask him for the land in
the gap by the springs of water, the place where
the wildflowers roll down the hills leading to the.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
Streams Axa tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Ah, I can smell the sweet aroma of Lily's.
Speaker 4 (15:21):
Now I shall ask him.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
He kissed her forehead and left for Caleb's table. He
sat down with his father in law and greeted him.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
You are kind to give me your daughter. She is
a treasure.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
A kindness has nothing to do with it, young man.
I do not break my promises. I owe you a
great death, and I pray my daughter balances the scales
between you and me.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
Her love and the security of our people are treasures
beyond my wildest dreams. That being said, we have a request.
If you still feel generous towards us.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Ah, we have request. What has my daughter sent you
here for?
Speaker 4 (16:18):
In truth, this is a request from both of us. Caleb,
I am a man of peace, not war. I have
risen to the occasion, but my heart seeks a quiet
life with a family Axa, and I desire to build
a home in the gain and beside the springs of water,
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if you are willing to allot us.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
That land, Caleb with somber. For a moment, Othnio feared
he had overstepped by asking. The old man looked over
at his son in law and touched his shoulder.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
You will be far away from us. We will be
giving up the glory of commanding an army when I die.
These people would no doubt herald you as their chief.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Othniel looked over to his wife. He watched her laugh
with some of her friends. She looked back at him,
smiled and waved. He turned to Caleb and nodded, I understand,
my son.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
Your wish is granted. I will give her the upper
springs near the hills and the lower springs near the valley.
Go be fruitful and not the by.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
So Othniel and his bride retreated to the springs of Negeb.
They lived in bliss, had children, and humbly loved one another.
There the quiet Hero breathed in the fresh air and
basked in the glory of his reward. All was at
peace until Israel would need their Hero again. While Othniel
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left to be at peace with his family, the nation
of Israel began to descend further and further into wickedness.
They intermingled with the Canaanite inhabitants and began to adopt
their practices. They were enticed to worship Bahal, offering up
pigs on the altars, where children were also sacrificed. They
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attended the temples of Asheroth, using and abusing the temple prostitutes.
The worship of these foreign gods was an excuse to
give in to their most carnal desires. They turned from
the God who called them to love, honor, and protect
one another, and gave their lives to the false gods,
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who would allow them to follow any debates desire they chose.
Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and
they did what was right in their own eyes. They
were a compromised people. They had forsaken their God, and
all that made them a unique and set apart people.
In the process, they had bound themselves to people they
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could not trust. Kushan Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, crept in
like a wolf. The fattened sheep of Israel had their
guards down. They were too occupied with drunken festivals to
baal and sexual ceremonies to asheroth. It was a perfect
time for the evil king to strike. Kushan Rishathaim came
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in with chariots of wood and bronze. His weaponry was
unlike any other in the land, and his men were
trained to kill. Mesopotamia overtook Israel in a matter of months.
Women were taken as property, men were forced into labor,
and children were either enslaved or sacrificed as an offering
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to their gods. For eight years, the people of Israel
struggled under the tight grip of King Kushan Rishathaim. The
new hope of the Promised Land was replaced with suffering
and dread like their parents.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
For them.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
In the pain of slavery, they cried out to their God.
They pleaded for his kindness and deliverance. They lamented their
wickedness and begged for the Lord to restore them. Once again.
God heard their cries. He would be swift to respond
to his people. He was ready to send them a hero.
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Othniel sat beside the stream, watching the trees slowly sway
to the afternoon breeze. The birds were chirping along to
the trickling sound of moving water. His children were playing together,
skipping stones on the water's surface, measuring the distance between
their shots. Othneil leaned back on a stone and smiled.
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He was in true peace. His crop was flourishing, his
livestock were healthy, and his family lived in safety, away
from the madness of the world. As he leaned back
and basked in the sun, something happened. Othniel felt a
familiar nudge within his spirit, the same nudge he once
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felt in the forests outside the bier. He poked up
and looked around. The breeze shifted and the trees began
to rustle more violently. Othniel stood to his feet and
listened intently. The voice was speaking to him. The small
and quiet prompting of God's spirit was present, and he
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was calling Othnil out again. He entered his home in
a hurry and looked for his sword and shield. Tucked
away in a chest beside his bed was the sword
he used to attag Debier. He held it up and
strapped it to his side. That's when Axar entered the room.
She shook her head in dismay.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
What are you doing?
Speaker 1 (21:51):
Othnil paused for a moment and looked at her. He stood,
strode towards her and held her face.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
I am responding to the call of God, just as
I did before. You understand, don't you the people need me?
Speaker 6 (22:06):
You would leave your peace here?
Speaker 2 (22:08):
What if you perish?
Speaker 4 (22:10):
It is a privilege to lay my life down so
that others might have peace.
Speaker 6 (22:14):
Let someone else fight this battle.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
You've done your part, Vasca, my love?
Speaker 4 (22:20):
What were the events that led us into each other's arms.
I am the Lord's man, and that is how I
became your man. To deny me from heeding the call
of our God would be the same as denying the
man you married.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Aksa trembled in place. She looked out the door, back
to the water where their children played. She knew it
was only a matter of time before the dangers outside
their borders reached them, and she knew Othnio was without
a doubt the Lord's man. She held his face and
kissed him. Then, with a fire in his belly, athne departed.
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Othneil called upon the people of the Lord to rise.
Nobody else but Othniel could have rallied them. He was
the Lord's man, a judge of Israel appointed for liberation.
The elders came to his side, including his good friend Abdio.
The united tribes of Israel gathered at the foothills overlooking
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King kushan Rishathaim's fortress. It was a crudely hewn structure,
but well manned and fortified with stone. Othniel knew that
if the armies of Israel were to win, the Lord
would have to grant them favor. Othniel surveyed the fortress
and relayed the plan to his generals.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
We'll see the bulk of our men to the war.
They'll be bottleneck with the endrance, so we can chip
away at one by one. Abdiel, you'll lead that judge. Understood,
where will you be. I'll take a small company of
men around to the re emergant gates. We should be
able to breach it with these. Then they go on
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the com It's a simple plan, but art of finesse.
You're the Lord's man.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
Command them to charge.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
Hothnil looked back at the army of Israel, God's chosen people.
He puffed out his chest and banged the heilt of
his sword against his armor.
Speaker 4 (24:26):
You all call me the Lord's man. You praise me
for my courage, and you have responded to my god like.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Gods the words.
Speaker 7 (24:36):
We are all the Lord's men, from the farmer to
the blacksmith, from the herder to the merchant. We are
men with a heritage. This is your lad this is
your inheritance. You are the Lorge toes At people.
Speaker 4 (24:54):
Take part, or it is the Lord who will give
you victory.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
This day.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
The army erupted in an inspired roar. Othniel rose his
sword high. The men charged with fire in their bellies.
As they descended the hills, thousands of Mesopotamian foot soldiers
and chariots met them. The first onslought of arrows chipped
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away at the front line, but eventually the Israelites broke through.
They weren't a well trained and polished army. They were herdsmen, farmers,
and fishermen that they fought with their freedom at stake.
That was what set them apart. The battle was gruesome
and drawn out. The men were strictly ordered to keep
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the battle as long as possible, to bide time for
Othmil to slay the king. He ran with a small
group through the streets. Guards were at attention in the
palace courtyard, ready to defend the king. Othniel's men made
quick work of the swords clashed and clowned, and the
courtyard stones were stained red with the blood of slain Lessopotamians.
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More were within the palace ready to fight the men behind.
Othniel charged first and met them in the narrow halls.
The sound of clanging spears and swords reverberated off the walls.
Offnil kept his course set for the center of the palace,
where he knew the king would be. He burst alone
from the doors of the court room. There stood King
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kushan Rishathayan, surrounded by six guards. His armor was dark
and worn, strapped securely to his broad chest. His shoulders
were wide and looked as if they were made of stone.
The crown atop his head was made of gold and bronze.
His face was menacing and filled with violent rage. His
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guards launched themselves forward at Othniel. With the spirit of
the Lord upon him, he moved forward. He slid forward
on his knees, slashing two at the ankles before standing
up again. He swung upwards at another, but ripping open
his jaw. Two more came from behind, but Othniel turned
swiftly with his shield, knocking them down. He parried with
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the others slowly stepping back and returning their blows. Othniel
was backed into a corner by two men. He used
his shield and off one, then jabbed at the other,
nicking him in the leg. When he recoiled, Othniel sprang
forward and slashed at his stomach. When the other guards
swung down, Othnuel shifted to the side and drove his
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sword deep into his throat. Both men fell to the
cold floor of blood seeping through the cobbled stone cracks
toward the king. Othniel raised his sword and rolled his
neck back. He steadied himself, drew a deep breath, and
beckoned the king forward. The king roared and ran towards Othniel.
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The mighty hero of God secured his foundation, swung his
hips and struck the king before he had a chance
to deliver the first blow, his sword slashed through the
king's armor, leaving a gash on his stomach, but the
king stepped back and yelled. His large frame swayed from
side to side. He growled and stepped forward again. King
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kushan Rishathaim swung his sword downwards, but Othniel managed to
avoid it and jabbed his sword through the king's thigh.
The king fell to his knees and writhed in pain.
Speaker 4 (28:26):
We have a ruler the lord.
Speaker 1 (28:29):
Before the king could compose himself or reply, Othniel jabbed
his shield forward, knocking the king on his back. Othniel
dropped his shield, took his sword with both hands, and
thrust it downward into the king's stomach. Othniel let out
a cry of victory that echoed throughout the empty chambers.
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With their warlord conquered, the rest of the Mesopotamians were
too hopeless to continue the fight. Those who were not
slain fled back to their country. Victory had been secured
and peace was restored to the people of God. Othnail
stepped out of the palace and saw a sea of
people cheering in the courtyard. They cheered for their conquering
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hero and the god who sent him with all their cheering, singing,
and celebrating, Othnil never lost his ability to listen to
the voice. The still and quiet prompting of God's spirit
remained with him as he ruled the land of Israel
for forty years. He inspired the Chosen People to remain
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attentive to the Lord's voice. After forty years of protecting
Israel alongside his family, Othnil finally returned home to be
at peace. He settled himself beside the gentle streams of Negeb,
closed his eyes and listened to the Lord finally call
him home. He breathed his last, and so was the
(30:01):
end of Israel's first judge, the first to rise, the
silent and humble servant Othnil.
Speaker 5 (30:15):
What a start for Israel, right, Otniel, the son of Kenaz,
the first judge of Israel, the first of many to come.
Otniel was a great warrior and led the Israelites to victory.
But he was more than that. There's very interesting teaching
and Jewish tradition. After Moses's death, the national grief of
(30:35):
the Chosen People caused them to forget one thousand, seven
hundred laws that Moses had explained to them. This tradition
states that O'tneiel, through his brilliant scholarship an amazing memory,
was able to remember every one of those one thousand,
seven hundred laws and explained them once again to the Israelites.
(30:56):
So here, as we've seen with so many times already,
again find a very interesting combination of characteristics in Israel's leadership.
Otneiel is a successful political and military leader, but he's
also a scholar of the Bible. Otneil also understood the
two basic needs of the chosen people in the Promised Land,
(31:19):
understanding and cherishing the Bible, God's gift to us and
to the whole world, and having a strong defense against
our enemies. What's amazing is that it's the same today
in the Holy Land, where I'm speaking to you from
right now. We need both of those things. A strong defense, certainly,
and we have that in Israel's wonderful army, the IDF,
(31:41):
which makes sure that Israel survives from all the different
terror groups on our border that want to destroy us.
And we know that a strong defense isn't enough. We
also look at the Bible as God's word and God's
plan for the world.
Speaker 4 (31:58):
So here we have.
Speaker 5 (31:59):
Otniel, a noble leader, brave and faithful, answering to the
call to rescue Israel from their enemies. And for a
moment it feels like there's hope, like the tides might turn,
like Israel might just stay on the right path this time.
But as powerful as Otneiel is, as faithful as he is,
he's just one man. Israel's struggles are more than clashes
(32:23):
on a battlefield. They're battles of the heart, the pull
of foreign gods, the lure of compromise. Otneil can fight, yes,
but he cannot keep Israel's heart from wandering. The Chosen
People are in a cycle now, this rhythm of forgetting God,
of drifting towards foreign gods, of finding themselves oppressed and enslaved,
(32:44):
and then of crying out for help. And you know what,
each time, each and every time God answers. Here, God
raises up O'tniel. But Otneil's rescue, though real, though brave,
is temporary. The prophet Isaiah later spoke of Israel's longing
for a lasting peace, for a permanent king who would
(33:07):
bring justice to the nations and to not falter or
be discouraged. He spoke of a king whose rule would
be forever, and Otniel he's a hint of that hope,
a glimmer of what it would look like if Israel
had a true king. But in the end he's only
a shadow. Israel's heart doesn't change. They're saved from their enemy, yes,
(33:32):
but not from themselves. And when Otniel is gone, Israel
drifts once more. It's a pattern that we see too
often from the scriptures to today. Freedom, rebellion, captivity, rescue, freedom, rebellion, captivity, rescue.
(33:53):
This cycle continues. The Chosen people wander and they forget,
they lose sight of God. This is Israel's cycle. They
cry out God answers, they are rescued, and then they
drift again. It's like the tides, constant, coming and going,
never still. Otniel, brave as he is, stands alone against
a wave that is too great for him to hold
(34:14):
back forever. He can lead the Chosen people, yes, and
he can fight for them, indeed, but he can't change
their hearts. And here's the truth, my friends. One leader,
even a righteous one, isn't enough to bring lasting peace.
This is good encouragement for us today. We can hope
that a good leader can indeed help a nation, even
(34:38):
inspire a nation. But single men and women are nothing
compared to the collective identity of a people submitting to God.
It takes all of us together submitting to Avinushabashamaim, our
Father in heaven. And so I look at this story
and I ask what about us? Where do we find
(35:00):
ourselves in this cycle? Are we looking to temporary fixes,
to moments of strength, thinking there'll be enough to hold
us steady? Are we, like Israel, crying out for rescue
only to slip back the moment we feel safe again.
Because true deliverance, true peace, doesn't come from quick fixes,
doesn't come from temporary strength or one time victories. It
(35:23):
comes from heart fully anchored in God's word, from a
life that chooses his way over and over again. So
maybe the question is really this, What are we leaning
on to save us? Is it God or something that
we've fashioned in the moment. Just like Israel, we need
(35:46):
more than a single act of courage. We need more
than an Outniel. What we need is God, a relationship
with God, a love for God, a trust in God. Soh,
my friends, I pray that we may turn to him
fully with undivided hearts, knowing that only in His way
(36:07):
do we find lasting peace, and only in His love
do we find ourselves kept unshaken and held.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
You can listen to the Chosen People with Yle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot
Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, edited by
(36:40):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Caltefianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening
prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan's Smith,
(37:00):
written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special
thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn
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You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the
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(37:23):
with Yeile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.
Previously on the chosen people. Caleb marched with his men.
Although his bones were weary and his arm could no
longer swing with fervor, he still led his people well.
He was a master tactician, having learned every trick of
the trade from Joshua.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Men of Judah remember the promise.
Speaker 3 (00:22):
Together forward aach haussak ms.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Caleb charged, but his stride was abruptly cut off by another,
a youth named Othniel, son of Caleb's brother.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
Kenaz weikley men to Arthbiel's aid.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
The lion of Judah had roared, and none could stand
before it. But not every tribe was a lion. Manassa,
Ephraim and Zebulun grew tired, their swords dulled, and their
spirits dulled faster. The Canaanites were cunning. They offered gifts,
daughters in marriage, and alliances whispered in the night. The
(01:05):
men of Israel took them. They had forsaken the promises
made before Joshua.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
You have done this to yourselves.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
I gave you the land, I made you a people,
but you made covenance with my enemies.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
You lay with them.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
Now there shall be thorns in your side.
Speaker 5 (01:33):
One leader can fight a battle for boundaries, but the
heart of the people isn't one with a sword Shelloh
my friends, from here in the holy land of Israel,
i'm ya l extein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories
(01:54):
filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning
of life. Through Israe story, we will find this truth
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling
extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if
you left us a review. I read every single one
(02:17):
of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about
the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can
visit IFCJ dot org. Let's begin. Israel cries out once again.
They find themselves tangled in chains of their own making,
captured by their own disobedience. But this time there's a
(02:37):
glimmer of hope. A new leader rises, a warrior faith
of courage. His name is O'utniel. He's the first of
many judges, the first deliverer in a kingdom without a king.
But how long can one leader keep Israel's heart from straying?
How long can a single hand hold back the tide
(02:58):
of rebellion? And can one man alone change the heart
of a people? Let's dive into this cinematic retelling of
Judges three six to eleven. Otniel, the Lord's man.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
The moon hung low over the forests of Canaan. Beneath
its gaze, the land seemed alive, veiled in mists that
coiled and slithered through the ancient trees like serpents. The
gnarled branches stretched heavenward their leaves Nearly gone. Winter had come,
(03:35):
and with it the biting frost that pried its way
into every crevice, even the hearts of men. Yet Othniel,
the warrior of Judah, found peace in the cold. Wrapped
in the quiet embrace of the woods, he leaned against
a towering oak whose roots twisted deep into the bones
(03:58):
of the earth. His breath rose in soft clouds, mingling
with the tendrils of mist that clung to the underbrush.
Though his neck still bore the dark bruises of King
Adoni Bezek's iron grip, he was alive, and the city
had fallen. Judah's victory had been blood earned, and Othniel
(04:20):
gave silent thanks to the Lord for sparing his life.
Othniel stood silently in the forest.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
He listened.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
The forest murmured softly around him, the crackle of frost,
the gentle rustling of leaves disturbed by unseen creatures. But
these sounds were not what he sought. He waited for
the voice. It was said that God had spoken to
Moses as one speaks to a friend. Othniel, son of Kenaz,
(04:52):
longed to hear such a voice. The sound of footsteps
in the frost brought him back to the present. He
rose swiftly, his hand falling instinctively to the hilt of
his blade. But the intruder was no enemy. It was Abdiel,
a tribesman of Judah and a fellow warrior. He held
a torch in one hand and a wine skin in
(05:13):
the other.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Last in your meditation, again, off, Neil. If you remain
still in this cold forest for too long, he'll become
like one of these trees.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Ah. Would that be so terrible to be a free
to grow tall and steady, reaching ever upward toward the heavens.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
You're quite the poet.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
Too bad we were born in times of war.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
Abdel took a sip of the wine skin, hoping the
alcohol would warm him from the unforgiving cold. He shivered
in place and brought the torch closer.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Caleb is gathering the men together. Come, we mustn't be late.
You can continue whatever.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
It is you were doing.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Afterward, the two men walked through the moss veiled trail
back to camp. A clearing in the trees opened up,
and the peace of the forest gave way to the
busy Israelite camp Fires were lit every twenty feet for light.
At the heart of the camp stood a great fire,
and before it the aged warrior Caleb. His breath rose
(06:18):
in plumes of smoke as he spoke.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
We stand at the edge of our inheritance. The city
of Debier lies before us, the citadel of thorns, guarded
by ruthless men who worshiped gods of wood and stone.
We have we have bled to reach this place, and
(06:47):
now a yes, who among you will bleed once more
to see it?
Speaker 1 (06:55):
For the murmur rippled through the crowd, fear, doubt, the
whispers of men who had seen too many battles and
buried too many brothers. Caleb raised his hand to quiet them.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
I will not command you to go, but know this,
he who takes the city will be a hero among
our people. In addition to this, he will have my
daughter Akish as his bride.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
The murmurs grew louder.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Surprize, indeed, as who's beauty is famous Judah.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
But Othnil heard none of it. His heart was racing,
and his palms were damp despite the winter's chill. A voice,
not booming but quiet, stirred within him, a whisper in
the depths of his soul. Before he knew it, he
was stepping forward. Abdil caught his arm, his face pale
(07:51):
with alarm.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Osniel, what are you doing?
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Othneil broke through the crowd beside the fire and stood
before Caleb. The flame reflected in Othniel's eyes. Caleb had
seen those eyes before, He had witnessed the intensity of
God's spirit moving through Joshua for many years, and now
standing before Caleb in the cold, was a man possessed
(08:15):
by that same power.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
I will go.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Othniel knelt on the ground and clenched his fist.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
I am your man. I will lead our people into
the bill.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
A smile curled around Caleb's face. He stood with trembling
knees and placed a hand on Othniel's head.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Othniel, son of Kamas, my brother, you are not my man,
You are the Lord's man. Go only be strong and courageous,
man of Judah, A man of God stands here before you.
(08:56):
Follow him if you are braving up.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
The crowd erupted in cheers, and the warriors of Judah chanted,
banging their spears against their shields. Othniel stood up straight.
The spirit of the Lord had come upon him. This
was his moment to rise. The sun had not yet
risen when Othniel and his men slipped into the icy
(09:20):
waters of the brook. The men waited for nightfall and
secured their swords, shields, and spears to their backs. In
a single file line. Behind Othniel, they crouched into the water.
The current was swift and biting, clawing at their flesh
like a living thing, but they pressed on their breaths
low and measured as they waded through the water. Othniel
(09:42):
didn't think about the prize of Caleb's daughter or the
glory of victory. He was simply heeding the care of
the voice the spirit of God. The others rode the
wake of his confidence forward. They were all uncertain of
what would await them in de Beer. The current grew
more violent as they approached the city's edge. There was
(10:04):
an opening within the walls where people came to gather water.
All was silent save for the low breaths of Othniel
and his men waiting. Othniel looked up. The sun was
barely beginning to crest over the horizon. Othneil rose his arms, slowly,
poising to give his men the signal. His eyes remained
(10:24):
on the sun. Then, finally, as its glare stabbed at
the eyes of the watchman on the tower, othnil unsheathed
his sword.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
Move quitney, and do not relent until the city is taken.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Othneil's legs burst out of the water and threw the
small opening into the city. It took less than a
second for his blade to find the throat of a
Canaanite guard. Abdiel watched his flank, throwing the dagger at
the archer watching from the wall. The rest of the
men scattered, using the element of surprise to their advantage.
It didn't take long for the people of de Beer
(10:59):
to catch wind of the attack. However, by that time
Othnil had already set the temples and palaces on fire.
Flames engulfed the city and pandemonium started to set in.
Othmil had them right where he wanted them, scattering in chaos.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
Othr Look, more warriors are coming from the west.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
A Canaanite horde poured in from the western side of
the city with spears and arrows. Othniel stood his ground,
rolled his shoulders back.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And ran toward them.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
He was the Lord's man. Indeed, with the same spirit
that once empowered Joshua to charge into battle, Othniel cut
through the enemy with poetic force. Two men met Othniel
with swords in hand. Othmoil parried one advance and dodged another.
He rolled to the left, cutting one of them at
the calf. He parried a downward strike, then shifted his
(11:49):
feet and drove his sword into the man's stomach. He
hopped back and smashed the other with the heel of
his foot. Othniel looked up, and many more men were
coming after him. He couldn't beat that many on his own.
Othniel looked to the horse's stables and ran. The warriors
were in pursuit behind him. Othniel tied a rope around
the beams holding up the stables. He secured the rope
(12:12):
to two horses and waited for the men to enter.
Once they came in, he struck the horses and sent
them running. They pulled the beams down, and the stables
came crashing over the men. Othneil drenched the wood and
hay in oil and lit it on fire. It didn't
take much longer for the entire city to be taken.
(12:33):
Idols were burnt, and the altars of evil were destroyed.
Othniel's bravery had won the day. He panted in exhaustion
and overlooked the desolation of the city. Abdel raised his
sword to Othniel. The men chanted his name, and praise
was offered on his behalf. Othniel smiled, pleased that the
(12:56):
Lord had granted him this moment of victory. It was springtime,
and the forests surrounding the city of Debier bloomed with
vibrant hues of pink, white, and orange. The city of
Dabiir had been claimed by Judah all thanks to Othnil.
(13:17):
Caleb basked in the city's glory, divvying out the land
according to what God had commanded. Now that there was
peace in the land and all the city's inhabitants were
driven out, it was time for the arrangement of Othnil
and Axar, Caleb's daughter. The two of them had grown
(13:37):
fond of one another and often met beside the river
to talk about their dreams for the future. Othnil was
quiet and contemplative, and Axar was loquacious and opinionated. She
sang ballads of beautiful fields and crested waterfalls, and danced
to the springtime breeze. Othnil had fallen very much in
(14:00):
love with her, and she adored his strength of character
and devotion to his people. The two of them were
wed before their family and tribesmen. There was dancing, celebration,
and unending music. Othniel laughed alongside his new bride and
held her tightly. For all his conquest and glory, all
(14:22):
he truly desired was to be by her side. Axar
held Othniel closely and gazed into his eyes. She ran
her hands through his curly dark hair and smiled. Her
voice was gentle, yet filled with a charisma, that often
left Othniel speechless.
Speaker 6 (14:41):
Let's make a life for ourselves elsewhere, away from the border,
wars and politics. Ah, let's find peace in the land
of Negab, near the springs of water. We can start
a family farm and rest until we apart from this earth.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
Your father is devane Jose up the lamb. He alone
decides where we plant our roots.
Speaker 6 (15:05):
Then let's ask him. Ask him for the land in
the gap by the springs of water, the place where
the wildflowers roll down the hills leading to the.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
Streams Axa tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Ah, I can smell the sweet aroma of Lily's.
Speaker 4 (15:21):
Now I shall ask him.
Speaker 1 (15:26):
He kissed her forehead and left for Caleb's table. He
sat down with his father in law and greeted him.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
You are kind to give me your daughter. She is
a treasure.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
A kindness has nothing to do with it, young man.
I do not break my promises. I owe you a
great death, and I pray my daughter balances the scales
between you and me.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
Her love and the security of our people are treasures
beyond my wildest dreams. That being said, we have a request.
If you still feel generous towards us.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Ah, we have request. What has my daughter sent you
here for?
Speaker 4 (16:18):
In truth, this is a request from both of us. Caleb,
I am a man of peace, not war. I have
risen to the occasion, but my heart seeks a quiet
life with a family Axa, and I desire to build
a home in the gain and beside the springs of water,
(16:39):
if you are willing to allot us.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
That land, Caleb with somber. For a moment, Othnio feared
he had overstepped by asking. The old man looked over
at his son in law and touched his shoulder.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
You will be far away from us. We will be
giving up the glory of commanding an army when I die.
These people would no doubt herald you as their chief.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Othniel looked over to his wife. He watched her laugh
with some of her friends. She looked back at him,
smiled and waved. He turned to Caleb and nodded, I understand,
my son.
Speaker 2 (17:20):
Your wish is granted. I will give her the upper
springs near the hills and the lower springs near the valley.
Go be fruitful and not the by.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
So Othniel and his bride retreated to the springs of Negeb.
They lived in bliss, had children, and humbly loved one another.
There the quiet Hero breathed in the fresh air and
basked in the glory of his reward. All was at
peace until Israel would need their Hero again. While Othniel
(17:58):
left to be at peace with his family, the nation
of Israel began to descend further and further into wickedness.
They intermingled with the Canaanite inhabitants and began to adopt
their practices. They were enticed to worship Bahal, offering up
pigs on the altars, where children were also sacrificed. They
(18:18):
attended the temples of Asheroth, using and abusing the temple prostitutes.
The worship of these foreign gods was an excuse to
give in to their most carnal desires. They turned from
the God who called them to love, honor, and protect
one another, and gave their lives to the false gods,
(18:39):
who would allow them to follow any debates desire they chose.
Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and
they did what was right in their own eyes. They
were a compromised people. They had forsaken their God, and
all that made them a unique and set apart people.
In the process, they had bound themselves to people they
(19:01):
could not trust. Kushan Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, crept in
like a wolf. The fattened sheep of Israel had their
guards down. They were too occupied with drunken festivals to
baal and sexual ceremonies to asheroth. It was a perfect
time for the evil king to strike. Kushan Rishathaim came
(19:25):
in with chariots of wood and bronze. His weaponry was
unlike any other in the land, and his men were
trained to kill. Mesopotamia overtook Israel in a matter of months.
Women were taken as property, men were forced into labor,
and children were either enslaved or sacrificed as an offering
(19:45):
to their gods. For eight years, the people of Israel
struggled under the tight grip of King Kushan Rishathaim. The
new hope of the Promised Land was replaced with suffering
and dread like their parents.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
For them.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
In the pain of slavery, they cried out to their God.
They pleaded for his kindness and deliverance. They lamented their
wickedness and begged for the Lord to restore them. Once again.
God heard their cries. He would be swift to respond
to his people. He was ready to send them a hero.
(20:25):
Othniel sat beside the stream, watching the trees slowly sway
to the afternoon breeze. The birds were chirping along to
the trickling sound of moving water. His children were playing together,
skipping stones on the water's surface, measuring the distance between
their shots. Othneil leaned back on a stone and smiled.
(20:48):
He was in true peace. His crop was flourishing, his
livestock were healthy, and his family lived in safety, away
from the madness of the world. As he leaned back
and basked in the sun, something happened. Othniel felt a
familiar nudge within his spirit, the same nudge he once
(21:08):
felt in the forests outside the bier. He poked up
and looked around. The breeze shifted and the trees began
to rustle more violently. Othniel stood to his feet and
listened intently. The voice was speaking to him. The small
and quiet prompting of God's spirit was present, and he
(21:28):
was calling Othnil out again. He entered his home in
a hurry and looked for his sword and shield. Tucked
away in a chest beside his bed was the sword
he used to attag Debier. He held it up and
strapped it to his side. That's when Axar entered the room.
She shook her head in dismay.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
What are you doing?
Speaker 1 (21:51):
Othnil paused for a moment and looked at her. He stood,
strode towards her and held her face.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
I am responding to the call of God, just as
I did before. You understand, don't you the people need me?
Speaker 6 (22:06):
You would leave your peace here?
Speaker 2 (22:08):
What if you perish?
Speaker 4 (22:10):
It is a privilege to lay my life down so
that others might have peace.
Speaker 6 (22:14):
Let someone else fight this battle.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
You've done your part, Vasca, my love?
Speaker 4 (22:20):
What were the events that led us into each other's arms.
I am the Lord's man, and that is how I
became your man. To deny me from heeding the call
of our God would be the same as denying the
man you married.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Aksa trembled in place. She looked out the door, back
to the water where their children played. She knew it
was only a matter of time before the dangers outside
their borders reached them, and she knew Othnio was without
a doubt the Lord's man. She held his face and
kissed him. Then, with a fire in his belly, athne departed.
(23:02):
Othneil called upon the people of the Lord to rise.
Nobody else but Othniel could have rallied them. He was
the Lord's man, a judge of Israel appointed for liberation.
The elders came to his side, including his good friend Abdio.
The united tribes of Israel gathered at the foothills overlooking
(23:23):
King kushan Rishathaim's fortress. It was a crudely hewn structure,
but well manned and fortified with stone. Othniel knew that
if the armies of Israel were to win, the Lord
would have to grant them favor. Othniel surveyed the fortress
and relayed the plan to his generals.
Speaker 4 (23:44):
We'll see the bulk of our men to the war.
They'll be bottleneck with the endrance, so we can chip
away at one by one. Abdiel, you'll lead that judge. Understood,
where will you be. I'll take a small company of
men around to the re emergant gates. We should be
able to breach it with these. Then they go on
(24:05):
the com It's a simple plan, but art of finesse.
You're the Lord's man.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
Command them to charge.
Speaker 1 (24:16):
Hothnil looked back at the army of Israel, God's chosen people.
He puffed out his chest and banged the heilt of
his sword against his armor.
Speaker 4 (24:26):
You all call me the Lord's man. You praise me
for my courage, and you have responded to my god like.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Gods the words.
Speaker 7 (24:36):
We are all the Lord's men, from the farmer to
the blacksmith, from the herder to the merchant. We are
men with a heritage. This is your lad this is
your inheritance. You are the Lorge toes At people.
Speaker 4 (24:54):
Take part, or it is the Lord who will give
you victory.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
This day.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
The army erupted in an inspired roar. Othniel rose his
sword high. The men charged with fire in their bellies.
As they descended the hills, thousands of Mesopotamian foot soldiers
and chariots met them. The first onslought of arrows chipped
(25:19):
away at the front line, but eventually the Israelites broke through.
They weren't a well trained and polished army. They were herdsmen, farmers,
and fishermen that they fought with their freedom at stake.
That was what set them apart. The battle was gruesome
and drawn out. The men were strictly ordered to keep
(25:40):
the battle as long as possible, to bide time for
Othmil to slay the king. He ran with a small
group through the streets. Guards were at attention in the
palace courtyard, ready to defend the king. Othniel's men made
quick work of the swords clashed and clowned, and the
courtyard stones were stained red with the blood of slain Lessopotamians.
(26:02):
More were within the palace ready to fight the men behind.
Othniel charged first and met them in the narrow halls.
The sound of clanging spears and swords reverberated off the walls.
Offnil kept his course set for the center of the palace,
where he knew the king would be. He burst alone
from the doors of the court room. There stood King
(26:25):
kushan Rishathayan, surrounded by six guards. His armor was dark
and worn, strapped securely to his broad chest. His shoulders
were wide and looked as if they were made of stone.
The crown atop his head was made of gold and bronze.
His face was menacing and filled with violent rage. His
(26:46):
guards launched themselves forward at Othniel. With the spirit of
the Lord upon him, he moved forward. He slid forward
on his knees, slashing two at the ankles before standing
up again. He swung upwards at another, but ripping open
his jaw. Two more came from behind, but Othniel turned
swiftly with his shield, knocking them down. He parried with
(27:09):
the others slowly stepping back and returning their blows. Othniel
was backed into a corner by two men. He used
his shield and off one, then jabbed at the other,
nicking him in the leg. When he recoiled, Othniel sprang
forward and slashed at his stomach. When the other guards
swung down, Othnuel shifted to the side and drove his
(27:30):
sword deep into his throat. Both men fell to the
cold floor of blood seeping through the cobbled stone cracks
toward the king. Othniel raised his sword and rolled his
neck back. He steadied himself, drew a deep breath, and
beckoned the king forward. The king roared and ran towards Othniel.
(27:51):
The mighty hero of God secured his foundation, swung his
hips and struck the king before he had a chance
to deliver the first blow, his sword slashed through the
king's armor, leaving a gash on his stomach, but the
king stepped back and yelled. His large frame swayed from
side to side. He growled and stepped forward again. King
(28:14):
kushan Rishathaim swung his sword downwards, but Othniel managed to
avoid it and jabbed his sword through the king's thigh.
The king fell to his knees and writhed in pain.
Speaker 4 (28:26):
We have a ruler the lord.
Speaker 1 (28:29):
Before the king could compose himself or reply, Othniel jabbed
his shield forward, knocking the king on his back. Othniel
dropped his shield, took his sword with both hands, and
thrust it downward into the king's stomach. Othniel let out
a cry of victory that echoed throughout the empty chambers.
(28:53):
With their warlord conquered, the rest of the Mesopotamians were
too hopeless to continue the fight. Those who were not
slain fled back to their country. Victory had been secured
and peace was restored to the people of God. Othnail
stepped out of the palace and saw a sea of
people cheering in the courtyard. They cheered for their conquering
(29:17):
hero and the god who sent him with all their cheering, singing,
and celebrating, Othnil never lost his ability to listen to
the voice. The still and quiet prompting of God's spirit
remained with him as he ruled the land of Israel
for forty years. He inspired the Chosen People to remain
(29:37):
attentive to the Lord's voice. After forty years of protecting
Israel alongside his family, Othnil finally returned home to be
at peace. He settled himself beside the gentle streams of Negeb,
closed his eyes and listened to the Lord finally call
him home. He breathed his last, and so was the
(30:01):
end of Israel's first judge, the first to rise, the
silent and humble servant Othnil.
Speaker 5 (30:15):
What a start for Israel, right, Otniel, the son of Kenaz,
the first judge of Israel, the first of many to come.
Otniel was a great warrior and led the Israelites to victory.
But he was more than that. There's very interesting teaching
and Jewish tradition. After Moses's death, the national grief of
(30:35):
the Chosen People caused them to forget one thousand, seven
hundred laws that Moses had explained to them. This tradition
states that O'tneiel, through his brilliant scholarship an amazing memory,
was able to remember every one of those one thousand,
seven hundred laws and explained them once again to the Israelites.
(30:56):
So here, as we've seen with so many times already,
again find a very interesting combination of characteristics in Israel's leadership.
Otneiel is a successful political and military leader, but he's
also a scholar of the Bible. Otneil also understood the
two basic needs of the chosen people in the Promised Land,
(31:19):
understanding and cherishing the Bible, God's gift to us and
to the whole world, and having a strong defense against
our enemies. What's amazing is that it's the same today
in the Holy Land, where I'm speaking to you from
right now. We need both of those things. A strong defense, certainly,
and we have that in Israel's wonderful army, the IDF,
(31:41):
which makes sure that Israel survives from all the different
terror groups on our border that want to destroy us.
And we know that a strong defense isn't enough. We
also look at the Bible as God's word and God's
plan for the world.
Speaker 4 (31:58):
So here we have.
Speaker 5 (31:59):
Otniel, a noble leader, brave and faithful, answering to the
call to rescue Israel from their enemies. And for a
moment it feels like there's hope, like the tides might turn,
like Israel might just stay on the right path this time.
But as powerful as Otneiel is, as faithful as he is,
he's just one man. Israel's struggles are more than clashes
(32:23):
on a battlefield. They're battles of the heart, the pull
of foreign gods, the lure of compromise. Otneil can fight, yes,
but he cannot keep Israel's heart from wandering. The Chosen
People are in a cycle now, this rhythm of forgetting God,
of drifting towards foreign gods, of finding themselves oppressed and enslaved,
(32:44):
and then of crying out for help. And you know what,
each time, each and every time God answers. Here, God
raises up O'tniel. But Otneil's rescue, though real, though brave,
is temporary. The prophet Isaiah later spoke of Israel's longing
for a lasting peace, for a permanent king who would
(33:07):
bring justice to the nations and to not falter or
be discouraged. He spoke of a king whose rule would
be forever, and Otniel he's a hint of that hope,
a glimmer of what it would look like if Israel
had a true king. But in the end he's only
a shadow. Israel's heart doesn't change. They're saved from their enemy, yes,
(33:32):
but not from themselves. And when Otniel is gone, Israel
drifts once more. It's a pattern that we see too
often from the scriptures to today. Freedom, rebellion, captivity, rescue, freedom, rebellion, captivity, rescue.
(33:53):
This cycle continues. The Chosen people wander and they forget,
they lose sight of God. This is Israel's cycle. They
cry out God answers, they are rescued, and then they
drift again. It's like the tides, constant, coming and going,
never still. Otniel, brave as he is, stands alone against
a wave that is too great for him to hold
(34:14):
back forever. He can lead the Chosen people, yes, and
he can fight for them, indeed, but he can't change
their hearts. And here's the truth, my friends. One leader,
even a righteous one, isn't enough to bring lasting peace.
This is good encouragement for us today. We can hope
that a good leader can indeed help a nation, even
(34:38):
inspire a nation. But single men and women are nothing
compared to the collective identity of a people submitting to God.
It takes all of us together submitting to Avinushabashamaim, our
Father in heaven. And so I look at this story
and I ask what about us? Where do we find
(35:00):
ourselves in this cycle? Are we looking to temporary fixes,
to moments of strength, thinking there'll be enough to hold
us steady? Are we, like Israel, crying out for rescue
only to slip back the moment we feel safe again.
Because true deliverance, true peace, doesn't come from quick fixes,
doesn't come from temporary strength or one time victories. It
(35:23):
comes from heart fully anchored in God's word, from a
life that chooses his way over and over again. So
maybe the question is really this, What are we leaning
on to save us? Is it God or something that
we've fashioned in the moment. Just like Israel, we need
(35:46):
more than a single act of courage. We need more
than an Outniel. What we need is God, a relationship
with God, a love for God, a trust in God. Soh,
my friends, I pray that we may turn to him
fully with undivided hearts, knowing that only in His way
(36:07):
do we find lasting peace, and only in His love
do we find ourselves kept unshaken and held.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
You can listen to the Chosen People with Yle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot
Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, edited by
(36:40):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Caltefianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening
prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan's Smith,
(37:00):
written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special
thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn
Fuller and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews,
You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the
Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store
and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People
(37:23):
with Yeile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.
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