Othniel

Othniel was the son of Kenaz and the nephew of Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan (Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13; 1 Chronicles 4:13). He is described as the first judge of Israel, who delivered the people from the oppression of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Judges 3:9-10). Othniel's story begins when Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures the city of Debir (also known as Kiriath-Sepher) (Joshua 15:16; Judges 1:12). Othniel successfully takes the city and marries Achsah (Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13). Later, when the Israelites fall into sin and are oppressed by Cushan-Rishathaim, they cry out to the Lord for help (Judges 3:8-9). God raises up Othniel as a deliverer, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him (Judges 3:10). Othniel goes to war against Cushan-Rishathaim and prevails, bringing peace to the land for forty years until his death (Judges 3:10-11). Othniel is also mentioned as the leader of the tribe of Judah during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 27:15).