Othniel עׇתְנִיאֵל
First judge of Israel, Caleb's nephew
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 Study available
- Joshua 15:17
"Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife."
Study Joshua →
Judges 3 verses
- Judges 1:13
"Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it, so he gave him Achsah his daughter as his wife."
- Judges 3:9
"When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother."
- Judges 3:11
"The land had rest forty years, then Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 4:13
"The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath."
- 1 Chronicles 27:15
"The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel. In his division were twenty-four thousand."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עׇתְנִיאֵל | H6274 |
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