Topical Encyclopedia Othniel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as the first judge of Israel following the death of Joshua. He was the son of Kenaz and the younger brother of Caleb, a notable leader from the tribe of Judah. Othniel's account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, where he emerges as a deliverer of Israel during a time of oppression.The narrative of Othniel's leadership begins in Judges 3:7-11. The Israelites, having turned away from God and served the Baals and Asherahs, fell into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia. After eight years of subjugation, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for deliverance. In response, God raised up Othniel as a judge to save 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." Othniel's victory over the Mesopotamian king brought peace to the land. Judges 3:11 records, "So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died." This period of rest signifies a time of stability and faithfulness to God under Othniel's leadership. His death marked the end of this era of peace, as the cycle of disobedience and deliverance would continue with subsequent judges. The Bible does not provide specific details about the circumstances of Othniel's death, focusing instead on his role as a judge and the peace that followed his leadership. His death is mentioned briefly, emphasizing the transition from a time of rest to the recurring pattern of Israel's history during the time of the judges. Othniel's legacy as a judge is significant in the biblical narrative. He is remembered as a faithful leader who, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, delivered Israel from oppression and led them into a period of peace. His account serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in raising up leaders to guide His people and the importance of obedience to God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index Judges 3:11And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. Nave's Topical Index Library How the Israelites after this Misfortune Grew Wicked and Served ... An Explanation of the Three Callings. Judges How Our People Served the Moabites Eighteen Years, and were Then ... A Cloud of Witnesses. Samson the Strong. The Antiquities of the Jews Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. Gideon and the Fleece. The Nations of the North-East Resources Who was Othniel? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ehud? | GotQuestions.org Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |