3:7 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. 1 They forgot the Lord their God and worshiped the Baals and the Asherahs. 2 3:8 The Lord was furious with Israel 3 and turned them over to 4 King Cushan-Rishathaim 5 of Aram-Naharaim. They were Cushan-Rishathaim’s subjects 6 for eight years. 3:9 When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he 7 raised up a deliverer for the Israelites who rescued 8 them. His name was Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 9 3:10 The Lord’s spirit empowered him 10 and he led Israel. When he went to do battle, the Lord handed over to him King Cushan-Rishathaim of Aram and he overpowered him. 11
1 tn Heb “in the eyes of the
2 sn The Asherahs were local manifestations of the Canaanite goddess Asherah.
3 tn Or “The
4 tn Heb “sold them into the hands of.”
5 tn Or “Cushan the Doubly Wicked.”
6 tn Or “they served Cushan-Rishathaim.”
7 tn Heb “the
8 tn Or “delivered.”
9 tn “Caleb’s younger brother” may refer to Othniel or to Kenaz (in which case Othniel is Caleb’s nephew).
10 tn Heb “was on him.”
11 tn Heb “his hand was strong against Cushan-Rishathaim.”