Othniel
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Template:Book of Judges Othniel Ben Kenaz (Hebrew עָתְנִיאֵל בֶּן קְנַז "lion of God", Standard Hebrew ʻOtniʼel Ben Qənaz, Tiberian Hebrew ʻOṯnīʼēl Ben Qənaz) is 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 a full eight years, when they "cried" unto God, Othniel was raised up to be their deliverer. He was the son of Kenaz, younger brother of Caleb (Judg. 3:8, 9-11). He is the only judge mentioned connected with the tribe of Judah. Under him peace lasted for forty years.
| Preceded by: Joshua | Judges of Israel | Succeeded by: Ehud |