Othniel
Male
Lion of God, the first of the judges. His wife Achsah was the daughter of Caleb (Josh. 15:16, 17; Judg. 1:13). He gained her hand as a reward for his bravery in leading a successful expedition against Debir (q.v.). Some thirty years after the death of Joshua, the Israelites fell under the subjection of Chushan-rishathaim (q.v.), the king of Mesopotamia. He oppressed them for full eight years, when they “cried” unto Jehovah, and Othniel was raised up to be their deliverer. He was the younger brother of Caleb (Judg. 3:8, 9-11). He is the only judge mentioned connected with the tribe of Judah. Under him the land had rest forty years.
Relationships
Key verses
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. Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Joshua 15:17
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
Judges 1:13
Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it, so he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
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: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.