10 Interesting Facts About Othniel in the Bible

Othniel may not be one of the most famous names in the Bible, but he played a powerful role in Israel’s early history. He was brave, faithful, and chosen by God to deliver His people. Here are ten interesting facts about Othniel that show his importance in Scripture.

1. Othniel Was Israel’s First Judge

Othniel was the very first judge raised up by God after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. He led during a time when the people turned from God and needed a strong leader.

Judges 3:9 (ESV)
“But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.”

2. He Was Caleb’s Nephew

Othniel was the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. Caleb was one of the two faithful spies who believed God would give Israel the land (Numbers 14:6–9).

Joshua 15:17 (ESV)
“And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.”

Numbers 14:24 (ESV)
“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.”

3. Othniel Married His Cousin

Caleb promised his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would capture the city of Kiriath-sepher. Othniel accepted the challenge and married her.

Judges 1:12–13 (ESV)
“And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.’ And Othniel... captured it, and he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife.”

4. He Was a Brave Warrior

Othniel didn’t wait around. He acted. He fought for Israel and took the stronghold of Debir. His courage is shown in his willingness to risk his life for God’s people.

Joshua 15:15 (ESV)
“And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher.”

5. God’s Spirit Was on Him

Othniel’s success was not just because of skill or courage—it was God’s Spirit working through him.

Judges 3:10 (ESV)
“The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand.”

6. He Delivered Israel from Cushan-Rishathaim

For eight years, Israel was under the control of a powerful foreign king. God used Othniel to rescue His people.

Judges 3:8 (ESV)
“Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.”

7. He Ruled During a Time of Peace

Othniel’s leadership brought stability and peace. After he delivered Israel, the land rested for 40 years.

Judges 3:11 (ESV)
“So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.”

8. He Is a Picture of a Godly Leader

He listened to God, followed the Spirit, and cared for the people. He wasn’t just a fighter—he was a faithful servant.

Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Othniel gave Israel godly guidance at a time when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes.

Judges 21:25 (ESV)
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

9. His Name Means “Lion of God”

Othniel’s name in Hebrew can be translated as “God is my strength” or “Lion of God.” His name reflects boldness and trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

10. He Reminds Us That God Can Use Ordinary People

Othniel didn’t come from royalty or high status. He came from a faithful family and answered God’s call.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV)
“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

His life reminds us that God can use anyone who trusts and obeys.

Summary Table: Othniel’s Key Traits