This rest “places responsibility on Israel. For is this not the kindness of God leading them to repentance (Romans 2:4)? Does not our God seek to awaken us as much by his goodness as by his severity? Whether Yahweh sells his people to the Arameans or grants them a generation of security—both should draw them to repentance and faithfulness. This rest is an opportunity that can be enjoyed only in ongoing fidelity to Yahweh."1
11 So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.