Title: Othniel's Reward
Content 27. Othniel's Reward
Chapter 16 is about the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, and shows how accurately the prophecies of the prophets were fulfilled. And the story here shows how Othniel fell in love with a musician and took her as his wife. Aksa is Caleb's daughter, and their love story delivers interesting lessons and interests in the process of conquering the city of Canaan.
It is of interest and interest that a godly man like Joshua offers to give his daughter to the one who strikes Debir first. The people who could conquer and conquer this village were the ones who could lead the army and go to war and win. Joshua was inspired by this very point. It was Othniel, a wealthy man who did the work, “Caleb's brother” (v. 17). “All the Bibles are inspired by God… … to be perfect for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We need to be reminded of the contents of this place with the Word of God in mind.
We must go on the path of believers, keeping in mind the teachings of the apostles in seeking spiritual lessons from historical events.
1. A hero emerges (or a character of Christ)
Othniel's name means "the messenger of God, or the power of God." This is meaningful. This is because a few years later, when the children of Israel were bound and cried out to the Lord, he rose again and performed a marvelous deed as their Savior (Judges 3:9). Like Othniel, Jesus Christ is the “strength of God” sent by God to save His people. He is “the lion of the tribe of Judah.” He will appear with amazing power and will lead his people out. This is a living lesson from history.
2. There is a mission accomplished (or there is a work of Christ)
Othniel's mission was to strike and take it and finish what he had to do. Taking Kiriath-zebel would undoubtedly put him much effort, strength, and risk. But like the Son of God, he was determined to do it. The work of Jesus Christ was also to strike and conquer and take it. His job was to defeat Satan with the weapon of the Word, overcome the powers of authority and evil, and conquer them (Luke 4:1-12, Colossians 2:15). Then he took the desperate from the power of demons and Satan, and gave them the opportunity to become people of grace. This clearly shows the nature of Christ's work (Juk 11:21-22; 2 Corinthians 1:19-20).
He continues to strike and conquer the fortress of the human mind before taking it as his own inheritance to conquer it. Othniel presents an aspect of Christ's work in this respect.
3. There is a reward provided (or seeing the figure of the bride of Christ)
Caleb said, “Whoever strikes it and takes it, I will give my daughter Achsa as a wife” (verse 16). It was a fight for a bride.
The conquest of the earth was a God-given task. The prize given to the musician was a prize of love, and it was also a prize of respect and service. It is also a wonderful symbol of the Church as the Bride of the Lamb. How precious and precious is the reward that God gave him in return for his work. The reward that Christ obtained through suffering and death on the cross was a wonderful reward that enabled many people to be saved. He performed such a marvelous work with his precious blood.
Love “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25) is a form of love that is second to none in heaven.
Caleb's daughter married a man who fought and conquered and conquered for her. This too is our privilege. For as sons and daughters we are given by God to him who lived, loved, and died for us and then conquered Satan (John 17:6). Let's see if we exercise our power of love by loving him with all our heart and sacrificing our lives. Just as a wife fears her husband, so we must have the attitude to love Jesus, our bridegroom (Ephesians 5:33).
4. Has a given dowry (or has a Christian portion)
“And Caleb gave him an upper spring and a lower spring” (verse 19). She wanted spring water and she received it. One spring water became a big corporation at that time. The possession of the springs of the upper springs and the valleys became a source of eternal wealth. These springs symbolize the eternity of the believer's portion in Christ. Because we have the vigilantes of the bride of Christ, we can always go to the fountain that God has freely given us, like musicians. The upper and lower springs are for our daily life. All of God's promises to us are an inexhaustible spring, fresh, sweet, and peaceful. If we know the gift of God, we should ask God for the spring water. Then God will give us such a spring and living water.
He is the One who will give us living water that will never dry out.
From the upper well we get everything we need for our spiritual fulfillment. In the lower fountains we get all the necessities of our world. These two springs distinguish between the upper and the lower. The things of God are not only one, but always give two gifts together.
“All my sources are in you” (Psalm 87:7).