Who was Othniel?
“The Israelites cried out to the Lord. So the Lord raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, as a deliverer to save the Israelites.”
Who was Othniel?
“Caleb said, “Whoever strikes down and captures Kiriath-Sepher, I will give my daughter Achsah to him as a wife.” So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him as his wife.”
Judges 1:12-13 HCSB
Othniel was the nephew of Caleb.
Why was Othniel needed as a judge?
“The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; they forgot the Lord their God and worshiped the Baals and the Asherahs. The Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and He sold them to Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram-Naharaim, and the Israelites served him eight years.”
First, they worship the gods of the people who lived before and during their lifetime. Second, God handed them over to an outside enemy.
What did Othniel do to be a judge over all of Israel?
“The Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel. Othniel went out to battle, and the Lord handed over Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram to him, so that Othniel overpowered him.”
What was the reward for his actions?
“Then the land was peaceful 40 years, and Othniel son of Kenaz died.”
All too often we see the pattern of the Israelites, sin by worshiping other gods. Be delivered into the hands of a dominating force. Cries out for help from God. God appoints a judge. The land has peace in his or her lifetime.
Othniel was no one special he just happened to be the nephew of Caleb who dared to lead a charge against Kiriath-Sepher, a town in the promised land that was still occupied by the original inhabitants.
Who are you? Are you someone special in the world’s eyes? Or God’s eyes. God is not a respecter of anyone but will look for a heart that dares to lead a charge against the natural forces in their heart and world!
“Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.”
Acts 10:34-35 HCSB
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