Mesopotamia was the place that God had called Abraham to leave (Gen. 12:1-4). Now after several centuries, the people of Israel were under the oppression of the Mesopotamians, on account that Israel had gone back into idolatry. They began worshiping false gods, and started to intermarry with the Canaanites (Jud. 3:6-7). Mesopotamia, like Egypt, represents the world and all its allurements. By attempting to become like the world they lived in, they failed to be the light that the world desperately needed.
For Israel’s backsliding, they served the king of Mesopotamia for eight years (Jud. 3:8). Eight years is a long time to be oppressed. But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, He raised up a judge who could deliver them. Othniel became the first leader after the death of Joshua (Jud. 3:9). Ohtniel, whose name means “lion of God,” was the nephew and son-in-law of Caleb. Othniel became Caleb’s son-in-law when he accepted Caleb’s challenge of conquering Kiriath-sepher (Josh. 15:16-17).
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel and he prevailed against the king of Mesopotamia. The word “prevailed” in the Hebrew means to “be strong.” The apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Eph. 6:10). We can only prevail when we are endued with God’s power. Spiritual power, however, is only attained when we live differently from the world. Othniel wasn’t living like the rest of Israel when the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him. While Israel was trying to be more like the nations around them, Othniel was prevailing.
Brothers and sisters, if we want victory then it is necessary that we live in victory. It’s one thing to be oppressed for living right, but it’s another thing to be oppressed and defeated when you are living wrong.