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Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

IntroIndex©

OTHNIEL

Judge of Israel, mentioned as the son of Kenaz and Caleb’s nephew (or perhaps brother), who delivered Israel from the tyranny of Cushan-rishathaim, and who earlier distinguished himself by capturing Debir (Jos 15:15-17; Jgs 1:11-13; 3:8-11).

At Caleb’s prompting (promising his daughter Achsah to anyone who could conquer Debir), Othniel took Kiriath-sepher (Debir) and received Achsah for his wife. When Caleb gave her and her land as a present, Achsah asked for a water source and was given the upper springs and the lower springs (Jos 15:19; Jgs 1:15).

Later, Othniel delivered the Israelites from the oppressive Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Aram-naharaim), whom the Israelites had served for eight years on account of their sin (Jgs 3:7). When the people cried for relief, the Lord raised up Othniel. Delivering them, he was described as someone that the “Spirit of the Lord came upon” (v 10). The effects of his work as judge lasted for a generation (vv 9-11).

See also Judges, Book of.