Othniel
Pronounced OTH-nee-ul
- Meaning
- "God is my strength; Lion of God"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Othniel means "God is my strength" or "lion of God" in Hebrew. He was the first judge of Israel after Joshua's death, raised up by God to deliver Israel from eight years of oppression under Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. Othniel first appears as the nephew (or younger brother) of Caleb, who offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captured the city of Kiriath-sepher. Othniel took the city and won Achsah's hand — demonstrating the courage and initiative that would later qualify him for national leadership. As judge, "the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war." Under his leadership, the land had peace for forty years. Othniel set the pattern for all subsequent judges — God raises up deliverers when His people cry out to Him.
Spiritual meaning
Othniel — 'lion of God' — demonstrates that courageous faith qualifies us for greater assignments. His story establishes the biblical principle that when God's people cry out, He always provides a deliverer.
Related verses (KJV)
"And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him."
Judges 3:9-10 (KJV) →"And the land had rest forty years."
Judges 3:11 (KJV) →