The land had rest forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Contrast the character of Samson, the last judge in the book. The most important factor in the story of Othniel, I believe, was the fact that God’s Spirit empowered him (Judges 3:10). This was true of all the judges, though the writer did not always mention it. No one can accomplish anything significant spiritually without the Holy Spirit’s enablement (cf. Zechariah 4:6; John 15:5). However, with His assistance, His people can be the agents of supernatural change and can carry out God’s will.