Othniel
Oth'niel (Heb. Othniel', עָתנַיאֵל lion of God; Sept. Γοθονιήλ), the first judge or regent of the Hebrews after the death of Joshua. He was the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb (but see Rosenmüller, Schol. in Jos. p. 295 sq.), of the tribe of Judah. SEE CALEB; SEE KENAZ. Othniel displayed extraordinary valor in seizing the city of Debir, or Kirjath-sepher, for which exploit he was rewarded by the gift of Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, in marriage. Afterwards he was made the instrument of delivering the Hebrews from- the severe bondage in which they had been held for eight years by the Mesopotamians. During the forty years of his administration (B.C. 1567- 1527) the Hebrews remained faithful to Jehovah their God and king, and consequently prospered (Jos 15:16-19; Judges 1:11-15. 3:8-11; 1Ch 4:13; 1Ch 27:15). SEE JUDGES.
