Othniel, First Judge
1370 BC
📂 BIBLICAL
📖 About This Event
Othniel, the nephew (or brother) of Caleb, was the first judge of Israel, raising up by God after the death of Joshua. When the Israelites 'did evil in the sight of the Lord' and served the Baals, God delivered them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia, who oppressed Israel for eight years. When the people cried out to the Lord, He 'raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia he defeated' (Judges 3:9-10).
Othniel's judgeship brought forty years of peace to the land. His earlier exploits included capturing the city of Kiriath-sepher (Debir) from the Canaanites, for which Caleb had promised his daughter Acsah as a reward (Judges 1:12-15). Othniel's leadership established the pattern that would characterize the period of the Judges: Israel sins, God delivers them into the hands of enemies, Israel cries out, God raises up a deliverer, and there is peace.
The Catholic Church honors Othniel as one of the faithful leaders through whom God sustained His people during the wilderness period of Israel's history. Key Scripture: Judges 3:7-11; Judges 1:12-15; Sirach 46:1; CCC 68
📜 Key Facts
Date
1370 BC
Category
Biblical
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