Oth'ni-el
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Introduction:
Oth'ni-el, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as the first judge of Israel following the death of Joshua. His account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, where he is depicted as a deliverer raised by God to rescue the Israelites from oppression. Oth'ni-el's life and leadership exemplify faithfulness and divine empowerment in times of national crisis.

Family Background:
Oth'ni-el was the son of Kenaz, making him a member of the tribe of Judah. He was also the younger brother or possibly a close relative of Caleb, one of the two faithful spies who encouraged Israel to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). This connection to Caleb places Oth'ni-el within a family known for its faith and courage.

Marriage and Personal Life:
Oth'ni-el's marriage to Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, is a notable event in his life. Caleb promised his daughter in marriage to whoever would capture the city of Debir (also known as Kiriath Sepher). Oth'ni-el accepted the challenge and successfully conquered the city, earning Achsah's hand in marriage (Joshua 15:16-17; Judges 1:12-13). This union further solidified his standing and influence within the tribe of Judah.

Role as a Judge:
Oth'ni-el's judgeship is detailed in Judges 3:7-11. After the Israelites fell into idolatry and were oppressed by Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia, they cried out to the Lord for deliverance. God raised Oth'ni-el as a judge to lead them. 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 his hand prevailed against Cushan-Rishathaim."

Military Leadership and Victory:
Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Oth'ni-el led the Israelites to victory over their oppressors. His military success is attributed to divine intervention, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering His people when they repent and seek Him. Oth'ni-el's leadership brought peace to the land for forty years, a testament to his effective governance and the blessing of God upon his judgeship (Judges 3:11).

Spiritual Significance:
Oth'ni-el's account serves as an early example of the cyclical pattern seen throughout the Book of Judges: Israel's sin, oppression by enemies, crying out to God, and deliverance through a judge. His life underscores the importance of obedience to God and reliance on His power for victory. Oth'ni-el's judgeship marks the beginning of a series of leaders who, despite their human flaws, were used by God to guide and deliver Israel.

Legacy:
As the first judge of Israel, Oth'ni-el set a precedent for future leaders. His faithfulness and reliance on God's Spirit are qualities that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Oth'ni-el's account is a reminder of God's willingness to raise up leaders from among His people to accomplish His purposes, even in times of widespread unfaithfulness. His legacy is one of courage, divine empowerment, and the peace that follows obedience to God.
Concordance
Oth'ni-el (6 Occurrences)

Joshua 15:17
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
(See RSV)

Judges 1:13
And Oth'ni-el the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 3:9
But when the people of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who delivered them, Oth'ni-el the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 3:11
So the land had rest forty years. Then Oth'ni-el the son of Kenaz died.
(DBY RSV)

1 Chronicles 4:13
And the sons of Kenaz: Othniel, and Seraiah; and the sons of Othniel: Hathath.
(See RSV)

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.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Oth'ni-el (6 Occurrences)
Oth'ni-el. Othniel, Oth'ni-el. Othonias . Multi-Version Concordance
Oth'ni-el (6 Occurrences). Joshua 15:17 And Othniel the son ...
/o/oth'ni-el.htm - 7k

Othniel (7 Occurrences)
... years. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OTHNIEL. oth'-ni-el (`othni'el):
A hero in Israel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. He ...
/o/othniel.htm - 10k

Othonias

/o/othonias.htm - 6k

Resources
What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org

What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.org

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