The shameful apostasy of Israel in the days of the judges was hardly uncharacteristic. As noted in several other texts, Israel never really left behind its idolatry when it came out of the Exodus (cf. Exod. 32; Amos 5:25-26; Jer. 7:25). When they turned to sin, God turned them to oppression. Although the vast majority of Israel appears to have practiced idolatry and pursued godlessness, there remained a remnant of faith in the land. Othniel was the first judge raised by God to deliver Israel from the hands of oppression (Judg. 3:9-11). It is no surprise that he was Caleb’s nephew (see Num. 14-15; Josh. 14). There remained at least one family in Israel still loyal to Yahweh. He courageously led the people in a rebellion and with the aid of God, they prevailed over their enemies. The land entered a period of rest once more. 

Ruth is set near the same time (i.e., the period of the judges), although probably several generations after Othniel. 

There is a famine mentioned at the beginning of Ruth. Although there is no physical famine mentioned in Othniel’s life, there was a spiritual famine in those days. 

Loyalty to Yahweh was rare in the days of both of them. But there remained faithful pockets, like Othniel, Ruth, and Boaz.

Israel’s future was preserved through families seeking to be godly in their own time. While neither led to a long-lasting national religious establishment in their own time, they did preserve the nation long enough that a religious revolution could eventually occur. 

The account of Othniel concludes with rest until his death. Ruth concludes with restoration and life, a future of generations leading to King David. 

A few lessons: 

We are never as alone as we oftentimes feel. Each judge likely felt a sense of loneliness and isolation but was never truly alone. 

There are always periods of spiritual famines and the faithful must stay faithful despite the current culture that surrounds them. 

The future prosperity of God’s people will often be shaped not by great global revolutions, but by the faithful few being faithful in everyday life. Households like Othniel and Ruth who were following the pattern of Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). Individuals who will choose to be godly no matter what the world does.