Othniel, the first judge of Israel and son of Kenaz.
About 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).
Family Relationships
- Parents
- Kenaz
- Partner
- Achsah
- Half-sibling
- Seraiah (1 Chronicles 4:13)
- Children 2
- Hathath, Meonothai
- Niece/Nephew
- Joab (1 Chronicles 4:14)
- Uncle
- Caleb
- Cousins 4
- Achsah, Iru, Elah (1 Chronicles 4:15), Naam
Key References
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.
The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division.
All Scripture References (6)
Joshua (1)
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
Judges (3)
So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.
So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.
1 Chronicles (2)
The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.
The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel. There were 24,000 men in his division.