Judge · Old Testament
The Story of Othniel
The first judge of Israel, son of Kenaz, who delivered Israel from Cushan Rishathaim.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Othniel son of Kenaz captured Kiriath Sepher and received Caleb's daughter Achsah as his wife. Joshua 15:16–17Judges 1:12–13
When Israel served Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia for eight years, the LORD raised up Othniel. The Spirit of the LORD came on him, he judged Israel and went to war, and the land had rest forty years. Judges 3:7–11
Life at a glance
- Father
- Kenaz Judges 3:9
- Wife
- Achsah, daughter of Caleb Judges 1:13
- Relation to Caleb
- Called “Caleb’s younger brother” — the phrase can refer to Othniel or to Kenaz Judges 1:13Judges 3:9
- Rest
- Forty years Judges 3:11
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Othniel
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Takes Kiriath Sepher and marries Achsah
Joshua 15:15–19 · Judges 1:11–15
Caleb promises his daughter Achsah to whoever takes Kiriath Sepher. Othniel takes it and marries her; she asks her father for springs of water.
Delivers Israel from Cushan Rishathaim
Israel cries to the LORD, who raises up Othniel. The Spirit of the LORD comes on him, and he prevails over the king of Mesopotamia.
Family and relationships
- CalebClose relative (brother or uncle) and father-in-lawJudges 1:13Joshua 15:17
- AchsahWifeJudges 1:13
- KenazFatherJudges 3:9
- EhudNext deliverer in JudgesJudges 3:15
Family tree and genealogy
Each relationship links to its passage in the family tree.
Books associated with Othniel
- Judges Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
LeadershipDeliverance
- What does Judges 3:10 say made Othniel able to deliver Israel?
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