The Book of Judges, Chapter 3, primarily introduces the cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes much of the narrative in the Book of Judges. Here’s a summary of the chapter along with its life applications:

Summary

• Introduction to the Nations (verses 1-4): This section explains that certain nations were left in the land to test Israel, especially those Israelites who had not experienced the wars in Canaan. The purpose was to teach warfare to the generations of the Israelites who had no experience in battle.
• Cycle of Sin and Punishment (verses 5-7): The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, intermarried with them, and served their gods, which was against God’s commandments. This disobedience led them to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, forgetting the Lord their God and serving the Baals and the Asherahs.
• Othniel, the First Judge (verses 7-11): When the Israelites cried out to the Lord, He raised up Othniel as the first judge to save them. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hand. The land had peace for forty years until Othniel died.
• Ehud and Deliverance from Moab (verses 12-30): Again, the Israelites did evil, and the Lord strengthened Eglon, the king of Moab, against Israel. The Israelites served Eglon for eighteen years. Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, was sent to deliver the tribute to Eglon. Ehud made a double-edged sword, hid it on his right thigh, and used it to kill Eglon in a private meeting. Ehud then escaped, rallied Israel, and they defeated the Moabites, leading to eighty years of peace.
• Shamgar (verse 31): The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Shamgar, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel.

Life Applications

• Testing Leads to Growth: Just as the nations were left to test Israel, life’s challenges can teach us resilience and dependence on God. Facing and overcoming difficulties can strengthen our character and faith.
• The Dangers of Compromise: Interacting with and adopting the practices of the Canaanites led Israel into sin. This warns against compromising our values and beliefs, showing how easily one can be led astray by bad company or worldly influences.
• God Raises Leaders: In times of need, God raises leaders like Othniel and Ehud to deliver His people. This teaches that God is always in control and can use anyone, regardless of their background or perceived weaknesses, to fulfill His purposes.
• Repentance Leads to Deliverance: The cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in Judges highlights the importance of repentance. Turning back to God in times of trouble and acknowledging our sins can lead to spiritual renewal and deliverance.
• God Uses the Unlikely: Ehud, being left-handed, and Shamgar, using an oxgoad as a weapon, show that God can use what the world considers weak or insignificant to achieve His purposes. This encourages us to offer ourselves to God, knowing that He can use us in unexpected ways.

Judges 3 teaches crucial lessons about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God. It also highlights God’s mercy and readiness to save His people when they turn back to Him.