The land had rest forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Evidently Cushan controlled most, if not all, of Israel. This assumption rests on the fact that Mesopotamia lay northeast of Canaan, but Othniel lived in the southwest part of Canaan. In the cases of the other judges, God normally raised up persons who lived in the areas in Israel that were closest to Israel’s oppressing enemies. Cushan was apparently the most powerful king that oppressed the Israelites during the Judges Period. By beginning with the record of his defeat, the writer announced that if Yahweh could deliver Israel from this "emperor" He could rescue them from any foe. [Note: Block, Judges . . ., pp. 150, 152.] 