Othniel
maleJudgesMeaning: “Lion of God; force of God”
Caleb’s younger kinsman, the first of Israel’s judges, who delivered the nation from Cushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia.
Biography
Othniel, the son of Kenaz and younger kinsman of Caleb, was the first of Israel's judges. He first distinguished himself by capturing Kirjath-sepher, winning Caleb's daughter Achsah as his wife (Judges 1:13).
Israel's first deliverer
When Israel fell into idolatry, God sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, for eight years. When they cried out, "the Spirit of the LORD came upon" Othniel, and he delivered Israel and judged them; "the land had rest forty years" (Judges 3:9–11). He set the pattern for the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that runs through the book of Judges.
Life Timeline
Empowered by the Spirit to free Israel from Mesopotamia
On the Bible timeline
Othniel belongs to the The Exodus & Wilderness era (c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late)).
- c. 1446 BC (early) / 1260 BC (late)The Exodus from Egypt
- c. 1446 BCThe Law Given at Sinai
- c. 1406 BCThe Conquest of Canaan
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Othniel
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Othniel appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 3 booksJoshua1 verse
Joshua 15:17
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
Judges3 verses
Judges 1:13
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
Judges 3:9
And when the children of Israel cried unto 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. deliverer: Heb. saviour
Judges 3:11
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
1 Chronicles2 verses
1 Chronicles 4:13
And the sons of Kenaz; Othniel, and Seraiah: and the sons of Othniel; Hathath. Hathath: or, Hathath, and Meonothai, who begat, etc
1 Chronicles 27:15
The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand. Heldai: or, Heled, Chap.11.30.
Frequently asked about Othniel
Who was Othniel in the Bible?
Caleb’s younger kinsman, the first of Israel’s judges, who delivered the nation from Cushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia.
What does the name Othniel mean?
The name Othniel means “Lion of God; force of God”.
What did Othniel do in the Bible?
Othniel served as judge of israel.
Where does Othniel appear in the Bible?
Othniel is mentioned 6 times across 3 books: Joshua, Judges, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Othniel?
The story of Othniel touches on themes of othniel, achsah, judges of israel, judgments — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Othniel's life.
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