Othniel is a significant figure in the Book of Judges, recognized as the first of the judges who delivered Israel from oppression after the death of Joshua. His account is primarily found in Judges 3:7-11. Othniel's name, meaning "Lion of God," reflects his role as a divinely appointed leader and warrior.

Background and Family Lineage

Othniel was the son of Kenaz, making him a member of the tribe of Judah. He was also the younger brother or possibly the nephew of Caleb, a prominent figure known for his faithfulness and courage during the Israelite conquest of Canaan. This familial connection to Caleb underscores Othniel's heritage of faith and valor.

Role as a Judge

The narrative of Othniel's judgeship begins with the Israelites falling into sin by serving the Baals and Asherahs, which led to their subjugation by Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia. The Israelites' cry for deliverance prompted the LORD to raise up Othniel as a judge. Judges 3:10 states, "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into his hand, so that Othniel prevailed against him."

Divine Empowerment

Othniel's success as a judge is attributed to the empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD. This divine intervention enabled him to lead Israel to victory and secure peace for the land. His judgeship is marked by a period of rest for forty years, highlighting the effectiveness of his leadership and the favor of God upon him.

Marriage to Achsah

Othniel's marriage to Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, is another notable aspect of his life. This union is recorded in Judges 1:12-13, where Caleb promises his daughter in marriage to whoever captures the city of Debir (Kiriath-sepher). Othniel's successful conquest of the city demonstrates his bravery and strategic prowess, further establishing his reputation as a capable leader.

Legacy

Othniel's legacy as an extraordinary judge is characterized by his faithfulness to God and his role in delivering Israel from foreign oppression. His account serves as an early example of how God raises leaders to guide His people and restore them to righteousness. Othniel's judgeship set a precedent for the subsequent judges who would follow in his footsteps, each called to lead Israel back to faithfulness and obedience to the LORD.Judges 3:9,10
And when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... According to Judges 12:11, Elon the Zebulonite succeeded Ibzan. ... [2064] The names,
however, were not the same. ... John 4:1.]. [2082] [It is extraordinary that he ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to whom Moses or Joshua were merely names. ... These judges were not magistrates invested
with official powers ... personified a Gileadite clan, and Othniel, who is ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Summary of the Book of Judges - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the account of Micah and the idol in Judges? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Abimelech in the Book of Judges? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus