Othniel עׇתְנִיאֵל
First judge of Israel, Caleb's nephew
Who is Othniel in the Bible?
Othniel was the first judge of Israel and the nephew of Caleb, one of the spies who explored Canaan under Moses (Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13). He gained prominence by capturing the city of Debir and winning the hand of Caleb's daughter Achsah as his reward (Joshua 15:16-17). When the Israelites fell into sin and were oppressed by Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, God's Spirit came upon Othniel and empowered him to deliver the people from bondage (Judges 3:9-10). His victory established him as the first in a line of divinely-appointed judges who would govern and rescue Israel throughout the period of the judges, making him a foundational figure in Israel's tribal leadership and spiritual history.
Biography
Othniel was the son of Kenaz and the nephew of Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan (Jos.15.17; Jdg.1.13; 1Ch.4.13). He is described as the first judge of Israel, who delivered the people from the oppression of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Jdg.3.9-10). Othniel's story begins when Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures the city of Debir (also known as Kiriath-Sepher) (Jos.15.16; Jdg.1.12). Othniel successfully takes the city and marries Achsah (Jos.15.17; Jdg.1.13). Later, when the Israelites fall into sin and are oppressed by Cushan-Rishathaim, they cry out to the Lord for help (Jdg.3.8-9). God raises up Othniel as a deliverer, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him (Jdg.3.10). Othniel goes to war against Cushan-Rishathaim and prevails, bringing peace to the land for forty years until his death (Jdg.3.10-11). Othniel is also mentioned as the leader of the tribe of Judah during the reign of King David (1Ch.27.15).
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentJoshua 1 verse
- Joshua 15:17
"So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage."
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Judges 3 verses
- Judges 1:13
"So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage."
- Judges 3:9
"But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them."
- Judges 3:11
"So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died."
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 4:13
"The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai."
- 1 Chronicles 27:15
"The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עׇתְנִיאֵל |
Othniel
Achsah, to wife as a reward (Jos 15:17, parallel found in Jud 1:13). He later smote Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom the children of Israel had served 8 years, and thus not only saved the Israelites, but by reviving national sentiment among them (compare Ant, V, iv, 3), and reestablishing government, became the first of those hero-rulers known as "judges." The effects of his victory lasted an entire generation (40 years, Jud 3:9-11). He had a son named Hathath (1Ch 4:13) and probably another named Meonothai (compare recensio Luciana of Septuagint, at the place). In the days of David we find a family bearing the name of Othniel, from which came Heldai the Metophathite, captain of the twelfth month (1Ch 27:15).
Nathan Isaacs
oth-o-ni'-as (Othonias): One of those who had taken "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:28) equals "Mattaniah" of Ezr 10:27.
ouch'-ez, -iz (mis