The Israelites forgot the Lord their God. They sinned against him and worshiped the Baals and the Asherah poles.
So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. They were subject to him for eight years. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord and he sent someone to save them. This was Othniel, the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenes. The Spirit of the Lord ruled over him and he became the leader of Israel. Othniel fought, and the Lord allowed him to defeat the king of Mesopotamia. Israel has been at peace for 40 years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.