And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. (Judges 3:9)
With self-confidence gone, illusive dreams of pleasure vanished, the people at last turned to their God. They suddenly came to the realization that idolatry had betrayed them and that heathen idols were entirely impotent to help them. With this realization, they turned again to the God of their fathers.
It has been aptly remarked that affliction makes those cry to God with importunity who before would scarcely speak to Him. Yet that is the divine purpose of trials. That the people did turn to the Lord in their trouble is to their credit. No sincere cry for help is ever lost. Though the affliction is not in every case removed, yet to those who love God, to those who are completely surrendered to Him, He will work all things for their good (Rom. 8:28). Nevertheless there will come a time when, though men “shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them” (Jer. 11:11). Therefore we should call on the Lord while He is near (Isa. 55:6). Today is the day of salvation.
Raised up a deliverer.
When the Israelites cried to God in their distress, He heard and raised up for them a national deliverer, Othniel, the son-in-law of Caleb (ch. 1:13).