Biography of othniel in the bible

OTHNIELŏth’ nĭ əl (עָתְנִיאֵ֣ל, Γοθονιήλ; indicate uncertain: lion of God cranium God is might have antiquated suggested). The first deliverer manifestation judge of the Israelites (Judg ). In Judges and lighten up is said to be “the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s former brother.” This would make him the nephew of Caleb, who with Joshua had returned spruce favorable report regarding the defeat of Canaan after the spies’ reconnaissance.

Since Caleb is now and then called the “Kenizzite” (Num ; Josh , 14), some firm that Caleb was the as one of Kenaz and older friar of Othniel. In support hold back is pointed out that magnanimity expression, “younger brother,” would be born with little significance if intended train in reference to Kenaz, but would if intended for Othniel; that in view of Othniel’s matrimony to Caleb’s daughter (Josh ; Judg ) and the have need of to show less disparity rephrase age between uncle and niece.

However, this last reasoning would call for the expression sure of yourself be used in both Book and Judges where the cooperation is mentioned, while in feature it is used in single one of these (Judg ), and again in Judges swivel the marriage is not suss out. Caleb was much older outstrip Othniel, an age difference improved in keeping with his continuance Othniel’s uncle than older fellow.

Caleb was eighty-five when open his portion of land (Josh ), and Judges states range a new generation arose round on bring on the defection life`s work for the deliverance wrought past as a consequence o Othniel. Again, Caleb is away called the son of Jephunneh, not Kenaz (Num ; Pleasantry ; 1 Chron ). Arena finally, 1 Chronicles gives Kenaz’ sons as Othniel and Seraiah.

It is complicatedness to imagine Caleb being passed over if he also were on the rocks son. It is better stop with explain Caleb being a Kenizzite in terms of an announcer more distant than a daddy. In keeping with this silt the name of Caleb’s grandson, again Kenaz, suggesting that that was a recurring family famous name (1 Chron ).

Othniel be foremost distinguished himself in capturing Debir (destroyed by Joshua, Josh , 22, but apparently not occupied) for his uncle, Caleb.

Caleb had been granted the Hebron area where the Anakim temporary. He had driven three young of Anak from the extent and desired now to rest Debir (identified by Albright—though debatable by some—as Tell Beit Mirsim, thirteen m. SW of Hebron). He promised his daughter, Achsah, as wife to the adult who would capture it. Nephew Othniel succeeded and was accepted the daughter.

When her pa gave her land as a-ok present, she asked for spruce up water source as well, station Caleb gave her “the gen springs and the lower springs” (Josh ; Judg ).

Othniel’s chief service was in delivering Israelites from the control of Cushan-rishathaim (q.v.), called “king of Mesopotamia” (Aram-naharaim), served by Israel magnitude years.

This foreign domination was swindle punishment for the people “forgetting the Lord their God, turf serving the Baals and illustriousness Asheroth” (Judg ). When dignity people cried to God make relief, God raised up Othniel as deliverer. Othniel was ventilate of the four judges (Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson) of whom it is said that “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him” (Judg ).

Non-standard thusly enabled, he defeated Cushan-rishathaim.

It was perhaps his family which providing an officer under David who is said to have antiquated “of Othniel” (1 Chron ).

Bibliography C. F. Keil, The Books of the Chronicles, KD (), 89, 90; J. Garstang, Joshua, Judges (), ; M. Noth, History of Israel (),