Othniel

Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother (or nephew) of Caleb, was the first judge of Israel after the death of Joshua and a paradigmatic figure for the entire period of the judges. He first distinguished himself by capturing Debir (Kiriath-sepher) for which Caleb promised his daughter Achsah in marriage — a feat that established his valor (Joshua 15:16–17; Judges 1:12–13). When Israel fell into the sin cycle of the judges period — serving the Baals and being oppressed by Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia for eight years — Othniel was raised up as deliverer (Judges 3:9–11).

The spirit of the LORD came upon him, he judged Israel, went to war, and the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim into his hand. The land rested for forty years until Othniel died. His story serves as the structural template for all subsequent judge narratives: sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, silence. Smith describes him as lion of God, reflecting the name's probable meaning.