Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Cushan Rishathaim eight years.
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.