Sermon notes:

God sold Israel into the hand of the enemies. Israel was comfortable with the Canaanites and walked in closer fellowship with them, that ultimately became Idolatry. Then Israel cried our to the Lord, beginning a cycle of reversal, considered under three headings. Repentance, Rescue and Rest.
Repentance: Judges 3:9 But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD… Israel cried out to the Lord, echoing the cry that came to the Lord because of the slavery of Israel in Egypt (Ex 1). The Lord had promised destruction would surely follow them if they forsake the Lord their God. Israel cannot expect God to save them, Israel cannot presume that God will save them, but God is rich in mercy!

Rescue: …the LORD raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. Judges 3:10 The Spirit of the LORD was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.

Othniel the first judge to succeed Joshua, was a man that served under Joshua and Caleb. God raised him up to be a deliverer to Israel. Like Moses before and Jushua, Othniel the deliverer was empowered by the Holy Spirit for this work. God calls and enables his servants to do their work.
Rest: Judges 3:11 So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died. God gives rest to the land. He had granted Israel relief through the hand of Othniel, his servant.