Final answer:
The Israelites turned away from God by reverting to polytheistic practices and idolatry, which led to significant consequences, including the destruction of the temple and exile to Babylon.
Step-by-step explanation:
When God raised up Othneil, the Israelites had turned away from God by falling back into their polytheistic traditions, worshiping pagan idols, and disobeying the commandments given to them through Moses. This is detailed in the Old Testament where instances of the Israelites creating graven images, such as the golden calf, directly violated the commandment, "Thou shalt not make any graven images." During times of backsliding, various biblical heroes and reformers worked to restore the monotheistic worship of Yahweh and adherence to Mosaic law. King Hezekiah, for example, removed unauthorized shrines and destroyed pagan symbols to reinforce the covenant with God, although his son Manasseh restored some of the polytheistic practices.
The damaging consequences of abandoning Yahweh are exhibited throughout biblical stories, including the destruction of the temple and exile to Babylon, with this narrative accentuated during the Babylonian exile when much of the Hebrew Bible was edited and compiled.