Then it came to be known that King Oton had taken ill and as had been decreed he was to select an heir to the kingdom as he had no son. King Oton ordered that he should give forth his kingdom to any man that came to show purity in character, that no man should rank above him in valor, strength or generosity and that he should not be shown lacking in any area.
The first to ask was Ginath. Ginath was well known for his cattle that gaze in the fields of the south. Ginath worked in the field from the time of the sunrise until the time of sun set with pause only for the prayer to the LORD. On the second day Ginath approached King Oton.
And King Oton said to Ginath, I shall not give to you this land as you have disappointed me. While you are here asking for the kingdom who is keeping watch of your cattle?
Ginath said to King Oton, As king I shall not have need of the cattle.
King Oton was unpleased with Ginath, Why should a king not have planned for all needs.
And King Oton had Ginath return to his cattle.
Ramoth was the second man to ask for the kingdom. Ramoth was a farmer and had a brother called Ribai. Ramoth and Ribai had lost the LORD's favor when they divided the land of their father and Rabai took over the land on the river. The river flooded and Ribai lost one forth his crop while the land of Ramoth was spared. Ramoth offered to let his brother purchase his excess harvest. When Ramoth came to King Oton he was denied the heir. King Oton was angry with Ramoth for his actions, You did not help your brother.
And Ramoth said to King Oton, Did I not offer my brother first choice of my harvest?
And King Oton said to Ramoth, You are his brother and yet you let him suffer. You are his brother and yet you make him beg. As King would you let your people suffer and make your people beg?
Then Ramoth said to King Oton, What shall you have me do for my brother?
And King Oton said to Ramoth, For your brother you are to give all of your harvest you do not need. For your brother you do not cease to help after one deed; after one obligation met. For your brother, as your people, you must do more than you knew you could.
And with that King Oton sent Ramoth back to his land.
Then Zaleb went to King Oton and asked after the inheritance of the kingdom as he had been a good man and faithful to his wife. But when Zaleb spoke to King Oton he was denied the kingdom. King Oton said to Zaleb, I know you have been a good man and faithful to your wife but where is your neighbor?
And Zaleb said to King Oton, Have I not put my wife above all else? I have helped her in all manner and been loyal. I have done nothing but bring honor to my house and family. Why do you ask now of my neighbor?
And King Oton said to Zaleb, It is true that you have brought honor to your house but as you bring such joy to your home you ignore your neighbor who called for your help.
Then Zaleb said to King Oton, I did not hear my neighbor call as I was heeding the cry of my wife as she needed me more.
Therefor King Oton said to Zaleb, You bring happiness to your home by closing the door on your neighbor. You have not put in order your home and neighbor and would bring turmoil to the kingdom letting many die hearing only the voices in your own home.
And King Oton sent Zaleb away. Then the LORD came to King Oton in a dream saying, I have seen you speak to the people of your kingdom and yet you have not chosen an heir.
And King Oton said to the LORD in his dream, LORD I have not wanted to fail You and place the wrong man as king. I have found fault in all these men for not doing more as each has failed to try as hard as You would require LORD. And I do not want to make the same mistake so I shall seek for one worthy to serve you LORD.
Then the LORD said to King Oton, I have seen these men and I have seen you King Oton. The failing you find in your people is the failing of you. It is your role as king to lead your people. As you ask of them to do more you have not inspired in them the desire. You have condemned your people by not preparing them. As you have prepared no one to take your place as king I will destroy the kingdom.
Then the LORD let out a fire that fell from the sky to destroy all of the kingdom.
