Othniel: The Lord's Man

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Caleb marched with his men. 00:00:05 Speaker 1: Although his bones were weary and his arm could no longer swing with fervor, he still led his people well. He was a master tactician, having learned every trick of the trade from Joshua. 00:00:18 Speaker 3: Men of Judah remember the promise. 00:00:22 Speaker 4: Together forward uch Haussac MutS. 00:00:30 Speaker 1: Caleb charged, but his stride was abruptly cut off by another, a youth named Othniel, son of Caleb's brother. 00:00:38 Speaker 2: Kenaz Weickley men do Arthbiel's aim. 00:00:42 Speaker 1: The lion of Judah had roared, and none could stand before it. But not every tribe was a lion. Manassa, Ephraim and Zebulun grew tired, Their swords dulled, and their spirits dulled faster. The Canaanites were cunning. They offered gifts, daughters in marriage, and alliances. Whispered in the night. The men of Israel took them. They had forsaken the promises made before Joshua. 00:01:12 Speaker 2: You have done this to yourselves. 00:01:14 Speaker 4: I gave you the land, I made you a people, but you made covenants with my enemies. 00:01:20 Speaker 2: You lay with them. 00:01:22 Speaker 1: Now there shall be thorns in your side. The moon hung low over the forests of Canaan. Beneath its gaze, the land seemed alive, veiled in mists that coiled and slithered through the ancient trees like serpents. The gnarled branches stretched heavenward, their leaves nearly gone. Winter had come, and with it the biting frost that pried its way into every crevice, even the hearts of men. Yet Othniel, the warrior of Judah, found peace in the cold. Wrapped in the quiet embrace of the woods, he leaned against a towering oak whose roots twisted deep into the bones of the earth. His breath rose in soft clouds, mingling with the tendrils of mist that clung to the underbrush. Though his neck still bore the dark bruises of King Adoni Bezek's iron grip. He was alive and the city had fallen. Judah's victory had been blood earned, and Othniel gave silent thanks to the Lord for sparing his life. Othniel stood silently in the forest. He listened. The forest murmured softly around him, the crackle of frost, the gentle rustling of leaves, disturbed by unseen creatures. But these sounds were not what he sought. He waited for the voice. It was said that God had spoken to Moses as one speaks to a friend. Off Neil, son of Kenaz, longed to hear such a voice. The sound of footsteps in the frost brought him back to the present. He rose swiftly, his hand falling instinctively to the hilt of his blade. But the intruder was no enemy. It was Abdil, a tribesman of Judah and a fellow warrior. He held a torch in one hand and a wine skin in the other. 00:03:33 Speaker 4: Last in your meditation again, Off Neil, If you remain still in this cold forest for too long, he'll become like one of these trees. 00:03:41 Speaker 5: Ah, would that be soll terrible to be a free to grow tall and steady, reaching ever upward toward the heavens. 00:03:54 Speaker 2: You're quite the poet. 00:03:55 Speaker 4: Too bad we were born in times of war. 00:03:58 Speaker 1: Abdel took a sip of the wine's, hoping the alcohol would warm him from the unforgiving cold. He shivered in place and brought the torch closer. 00:04:07 Speaker 4: Caleb is gathering the men together. Come, we mustn't be late. You can continue whatever it is you are doing. 00:04:15 Speaker 1: Afterward, the two men walked through the moss veiled trail back to camp. A clearing in the trees opened up, and the peace of the forest gave way to the busy Israelite camp Fires were lit every twenty feet for light. At the heart of the camp stood a great fire, and before it the aged warrior Caleb. His breath rose in plumes of smoke as he spoke. 00:04:40 Speaker 3: We stand at the edge of our inheritance. The city of Debier lies before us, the citadel of thorns, guarded by ruthless men who worshiped gods of wood and stone. We have we have bled to reached this place, and no, yes, who among you will bleed once more to see it? 00:05:13 Speaker 1: For a murmur rippled through the crowd, fear, doubt, the whispers of men who had seen too many battles and buried too many brothers. Kleib raised his hand to quiet them. 00:05:27 Speaker 6: I will not command you to go, but know this, he who takes the city will be a hero among our people. In addition to this, he will have my daughter Akish as his bride. 00:05:43 Speaker 1: The murmurs grew louder and surprise indeed, Actu's beauty is famous Judah. But Othniel heard none of it. His heart was racing and his palms were damp despite the winter's chill. A voice, not booming but quiet, stirred within him, a whisper in the depths of his soul. Before he knew it, he was stepping forward. Abdil caught his arm, his face pale with alarm. 00:06:11 Speaker 2: Osniel, what are you doing? 00:06:13 Speaker 1: Othnil broke through the crowd beside the fire and stood before Caleb. The flames reflected in Othniel's eyes. Caleb had seen those eyes before. He had witnessed the intensity of God's spirit moving through Joshua for many years, and now standing before Caleb in the cold, was a man possessed. 00:06:34 Speaker 2: By that same power. 00:06:35 Speaker 3: I will go. 00:06:36 Speaker 1: Othnil knelt on the ground and clenched his fist. 00:06:39 Speaker 2: I am your man. I will lead our people into de bill. 00:06:44 Speaker 1: A smile curled around Caleb's face. He stood with trembling knees and placed a hand on Othnil's head. 00:06:51 Speaker 3: Othniel, son of Kammers, my brother, You are not mine, ma'am. You are the Lord's men. Go only be strong and courageous. 00:07:09 Speaker 6: Men of Judah, A man of God stands here before you follow him if you are braving up. 00:07:18 Speaker 1: The crowd erupted in cheers, and the warriors of Judah chanted, banging their spears against their shields. Othniel stood up straight. The spirit of the Lord had come upon him. This was his moment to rise. The sun had not yet risen when Othnil and his men slipped into the icy waters of the brook. The men waited for nightfall and secured their swords, shields, and spears to their backs. In a single file line. Behind Othnil, they crouched into the water. The current was swift and biting, clawing at their flesh like a living thing, but they pressed on their breaths low and measured as they waded through the water. Othniel didn't think about the prize of Caleb's daughter or the glory of victory. He was simply heeding the core of the voice, the spirit of God. The others rode the wake of his confidence forward. They were all uncertain of what would await them in de Beer. The current grew more violent as they approached the city's edge. There was an opening within the walls where people came to gather water. All was silent save for the low breaths of Othniel and his men waiting. Othniel looked up. The sun was barely beginning to crest over the horizon. Othneil rose his arms slowly, poising to give his men the signal. His eyes remained on the sun. Then, finally, as its glare stabbed at the eyes of the watchman on the tower, othnil unsheathed his sword. 00:08:52 Speaker 2: Move quickly and do not relent until the city is taken. 00:08:56 Speaker 1: Othneil's legs fast out of the water and through them all opening into the city. It took less than a second for his blade to find the throat of a Canaanite guard. Abdiel watched his flank, throwing a dagger at the archer watching from the wall. The rest of the men scattered, using the element of surprise to their advantage. It didn't take long for the people of Deber to catch wind of the attack. However, by that time Othnil had already set the temples and palaces on fire. Flames engulfed the city and pandemonium started to set in. Othmil had them right where he wanted them, scattering in chaos. 00:09:34 Speaker 4: Othr Look, more warriors are coming from the west. 00:09:37 Speaker 1: A Canaanite horde poured in from the western side of the city with spears and arrows. Othniel stood his ground, rolled his shoulders. 00:09:45 Speaker 2: Back, and ran toward them. 00:09:47 Speaker 1: He was the lord's man, indeed, with the same spirit that once empowered Joshua to charge into battle, Othniel cut through the enemy with poetic force. Two men met Othniel with swords in hand. Othmool carried one advance and dodged another. He rolled to the left, cutting one of them at the calf. He parried a downward strike, then shifted his feet and drove his sword into the man's stomach. He hopped back and smashed the other with the heel of his foot. Othniel looked up, and many more men were coming after him. He couldn't beat that many on his own. Othniel looked to the horse's stables and ran. The warriors were in pursuit behind him. Othniel tied a rope around the beams holding up the stables. He secured the rope to two horses and waited for the men to enter. Once they came in, he struck the horses and sent them running. They pulled the beams down and the stables came crashing over the men. Othniel drenched the wood and hay in oil and lit it on fire. It didn't take much longer for the entire city to be taken. Idols were burnt, and the altars of evil were destroyed. Othniel's bravery had won the day. He panted in a exhaustion and overlooked the desolation of the city. Abdel raised his sword to Othniel. The men chanted his name, and praise was offered on his behalf. Othniel smiled, pleased that the Lord had granted him this moment of victory. It was springtime and the forests surrounding the city of Debiir bloomed with vibrant hues of pink, white, and orange. The city of Dabiir had been claimed by Judah, all thanks to Othniel. Caleb basked in the city's glory, diving out the land according to what God had commanded. Now that there was peace in the land and all the city's inhabitants were driven out, it was time for the arrangement of Othnil and Axar, Caleb's daughter. The two of them had grown fond of one another and often met beside the river to talk about their dreams for the future. Othniel was quiet and contemplative, and Axar was loquacious and opinionated. She sang ballads of beautiful fields and crested waterfalls, and danced to the springtime breeze. Othnil had fallen very much in love with her, and she adored his strength of character and devotion to his people. The two of them were wed before their family and tribesmen. There was dancing, celebration, and unending music. Othniel laughed alongside his new bride and held her tightly. For all his conquest and glory, all he truly desired was to be by her side. Axar held Othniel closely and gazed into his eyes. She ran her hands through his curly dark hair and smiled. Her voice was gentle, yet filled with a charisma that often left Othniel's speechless. 00:13:00 Speaker 7: Let's make a life for ourselves elsewhere, away from the border wars and politics. Ah, Let's find peace in the land of Negab, near the springs of water. We can start a family farm and rest until we apart from this earth. 00:13:15 Speaker 2: Your father, as Devon, chosen to divvy up the land he alone decides where we plant our roots. 00:13:23 Speaker 7: Then let's ask him. Ask him for the land in Negab by the springs of water, the place where the wildflowers rolled down the hills leading to the streams. 00:13:32 Speaker 1: Aksa tilted her head back and closed her eyes. 00:13:37 Speaker 2: Ah, I can smell the sweet aroma of Lily's. Now I shall ask him. 00:13:44 Speaker 1: He kissed her forehead and left for Caleb's table. He sat down with his father in law and greeted him. 00:13:52 Speaker 2: You are kind to give me your daughter. She is a treasure. 00:13:57 Speaker 3: A kindness says nothing to do with a young man. I do not break my promises. I owe you a great death, and I pray my daughter balances the scales between you and me. 00:14:12 Speaker 2: Her love and the security of our people are treasures beyond my wildest dreams. That being said, we have a request, if you still feel generous towards us. 00:14:26 Speaker 3: Ah, we have request. What has my daughter sent you here for? 00:14:37 Speaker 2: In truth, this is a request from both of us. Kaylen, I am a man of peace, not war. I've risen to the occasion, but my heart seeks a quiet life with a family Axa, and I desire to build a home in the game beside the springs of water, if you are willing to allot us that. 00:15:01 Speaker 1: Caleb was somber. For a moment, Othneil feared he had overstepped by asking. The old man looked over at his son in law and touched his shoulder. 00:15:11 Speaker 3: You will be far away from us. He will be giving up the glory of commanding an army when I die. These people, with no doubt, harold you as their chief. 00:15:24 Speaker 1: Othniel looked over to his wife. He watched her laugh with some of her friends. She looked back at him, smiled and waved. He turned to Caleb and nodded, I understand. 00:15:37 Speaker 3: My son. Your wish is granted. I will give you the upper springs near the hills and the lower springs near the valley, and go be fruitful and not the boy. 00:15:51 Speaker 1: So Othniel and his bride retreated to the springs of Negeb. They lived in bliss, had children, and humbly life on another There, the quiet hero breathed in the fresh air and basked in the glory of his reward. All was at peace until Israel would need their hero again. While Othnil left to be at peace with his family, the nation of Israel began to descend further and further into wickedness. They intermingled with the Canaanite inhabitants and began to adopt their practices. They were enticed to worship Bahal, offering up pigs on the altars, where children were also sacrificed. They attended the temples of Asheroth, using and abusing the temple prostitutes. The worship of these foreign gods was an excuse to give in to their most carnal desires. They turned from the God who called them to love, honor, and protect one another, and gave their lives to the false gods who would allow them to follow any debased desire they chose. Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they did what was right in their own eyes. They were a compromised people. They had forsaken their God and all that made them a unique and set apart people. In the process. They had bound themselves to people they could not trust. Kushan Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, crept. 00:17:26 Speaker 3: In like a wolf. 00:17:28 Speaker 1: The fattened sheep of Israel had their guards down. They were too occupied with drunken festivals to bow and sexual ceremonies to asherof. It was a perfect time for the evil king to strike. Kushan Rishathaim came in with chariots of wood and bronze. His weaponry was unlike any other in the land, and his men were trained to kill. Mesopotamia overtook Israel in a matter of months. Women were taken as property, men were forced into labor, and children were either enslaved or sacrificed as an offering to their gods. For eight years, the people of Israel struggled under the tight grip of King Kushan Rishathaim. The new hope of the Promised Land was replaced with suffering and dread like their parents before them. In the pain of slavery, they cried out to their God. They pleaded for his kindness and deliverance. They lamented their wickedness and begged for the Lord to restore them. Once again. God heard their cries. He would be swift to respond to his people. He was ready to send them a hero. Othniel sat beside the stream, watching the trees slowly sway to the afternoon breeze. The birds were chirping along to the trickling sound of moving water. His children were playing together, skipping stones on the water's surface, measuring the distance between their shots. Othneil leaned back on a stone and smiled. He was in true peace. His crop was flourishing, his live stock were healthy, and his family lived in safety, away from the madness of the world. As he leaned back and basked in the sun, something happened. Othnil felt a familiar nudge within his spirit, the same nudge he once felt in the forests outside de Beer. He poked up and looked around. The breeze shifted and the trees began to rustle more violently. Othniel stood to his feet and listened intently. The voice was speaking to him. The small and quiet prompting of God's spirit was present, and he was calling Othniel out again. He entered his home in a hurry and looked for his sword and shield. Tucked away in a chest beside his bed was the sword he used to attag de Beer. He held it up and strapped it to his side. That's when Axa entered the room. She shook her head in dismay. What are you doing off Neil paused for a moment and looked at her. He stood strode towards her and held her face. 00:20:16 Speaker 2: I am responding to the call of God, just as I did before. You understand, don't you? The people need me. 00:20:25 Speaker 7: You will leave your peace here? 00:20:27 Speaker 3: What if you perish? 00:20:28 Speaker 2: It is a privilege to lay my life down so that others might have peace. 00:20:33 Speaker 7: Let someone else fight this battle. 00:20:35 Speaker 2: You've done your part, Asta, my love. What were the events that led us into each other's arms. I am the Lord's man, and that is how I became your man. To deny me from heeding the call of our God would be the same as denying the man you married. 00:20:55 Speaker 1: Aksa trembled in place. She looked out the door, back to the water where their children played. She knew it was only a matter of time before the dangers outside their borders reached them, and she knew Othniel was, without a doubt the Lord's man. She held his face and kissed him. Then, with a fire in his belly, Othniel departed. Othnil called upon the people of the Lord to rise. Nobody else but Othniel could have rallied them. He was the Lord's man. A judge of Israel appointed for liberation. The elders came to his side, including his good friend Abdiel. The United tribes of Israel gathered at the foothills overlooking King kushan Rishathaim's fortress. It was a crudely hewn structure, but well manned and fortified with stone. Othniel knew that if the armies of Israel were to win, the Lord would have to grant them favor. Othniel surveyed the fortress and relay the plan to his generals. 00:22:02 Speaker 2: We will see the bulk of our men to the wall. They'll be bottleneck at the hindrance, so we can chip away at. 00:22:09 Speaker 3: One by one. 00:22:10 Speaker 2: Abdiel, you'll lead that charge. Understood me, Where will you be? I'll take a small company of men around to the rear merchant gates. We should be able to breach it with these. Then they go on the camera. It's a simple plan, but part of finesse. 00:22:30 Speaker 4: You're the Lord's man, command them to charge. 00:22:35 Speaker 1: Bothnio looked back at the Army of Israel, God's chosen people. He puffed out his chest and banged the health of his sword against his armor. 00:22:45 Speaker 2: You all call me the Lord's man. You praise me for my courage, and you have responded to my call, make a step words. We are all the Lord's men, from the farmer to the blacksmith, from the herder to the merchant. We are men with a heritage. This is lor mad, this is your in heritage. You are the large doors at people a part, for it is the Lord who would give you victory this day. 00:23:18 Speaker 1: The army erupted in an inspired roar. Arthnio rose his sword high. The men charged with fire in their bellies. As they descended the hills. Thousands of Mesopotamian foot soldiers and chariots met them. The first onslaught of arrows chipped away at the front line, but eventually the Israelites broke through. They weren't a well trained and polished army. They were herdsmen, farmers, and fishermen that they fought with their freedom at stake. That was what set them apart. The battle was gruesome and drawn out. The men were strictly ordered to keep the battle as long as possible, to bide time for Othniel to slay the king. He ran with a small groove through the streets. Guards were as attention in the palace courtyard, ready to defend the king. Othniel's men made quick work of them. Swords clashed and clanged, and the courtyard stones were stained red with the blood of slain Mesopotamians. More were within the palace, ready to fight the men behind. Othniel charged first and met them in the narrow halls. The sound of clanging spears and swords reverberated off the walls Ofthnil kept his course set for the center of the palace, where he knew the king would be. He burst alone through the doors of the court room. There stood King kushan Rishathayan, surrounded by six guards. His armor was dark and worn, strapped securely to his broad chest. His shoulders were wide and looked as if they were made of stone. The crown atop his head was made of gold and bronze. His face was menacing and filled with violent rage. His guards launched themselves forward at Othniel. With the spirit of the Lord upon him, he moved forward. He slid forward on his knees, slashing two at the ankles. Before standing up again. He swung upwards at another, ripping open his jaw. Two more came from behind, but Othniel turned swiftly with his shield, knocking them down. He parried with the others slowly stepping back and returning their blows. Othniel was backed into a corner by two men. He used his shield and off one, then jabbed at the other, nicking him in the leg. When he recoiled, Othniel sprang forward and slashed at his stomach. When the other guards swung down, Othniel shifted to the side and drove his sword deep into his throat. Both men fell to the cold floor of blood seeping through the cobbled stone cracks towards the king. Othniel raised his sword and rolled his neck back. He steadied himself, drew a deep breath, and beckoned the king forward. The king roared and ran towards Othniel. The mighty hero of God secured his foundation, swung his hips and struck the king. Before he had a chance to deliver the first blow. His sword slashed through the king's armor, leaving a gash on his stomach. The king stepped back and yelled. His large frame swayed from side to side. He growled and stepped forward again. King khushan Rishathaim swung his sword downwards, but Othniel managed to avoid it and jabbed his sword through the king's thigh. The king fell to his knees and writhed in pain. 00:26:45 Speaker 2: We have a ruler, the Lord. 00:26:48 Speaker 1: Before the king could compose himself or reply, Othniel jabbed his shield forward, knocking the king on his back. Othniel dropped his shield, took his sword with both hands, and thrust it downward into the king's stomach. Othnil let out a cry of victory that echoed throughout the empty chambers. With their warlord conquered, the rest of the Mesopotamians were too hopeless to continue the fight. Those who were not slain fled back to their country. Victory had been secured and peace was restored to the people of God. Othneil stepped out of the palace and saw a sea of people cheering in the courtyard. They cheered for their conquering hero and the God who sent him. With all their cheering, singing, and celebrating, Othnil never lost his ability to listen to the voice. The still and quiet prompting of God's spirit remained with him as he ruled the land of Israel for forty years. He inspired the chosen people to remain attentive to the Lord's voice. After forty year years of protecting Israel alongside his family, Othnil finally returned home to be at peace. He settled himself beside the gentle streams of Negeb, closed his eyes and listened to the Lord finally call him home. He breathed his last, and so was the end of Israel's first judge, the first to rise, the silent and humble servant Othniel. This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schllebager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris bag You can hear more Prey dot Com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,