Othniel was either the nephew or brother of Caleb (one of the 12 spies sent to the land of Canaan), and Israel’s first judge. After the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, Othniel freed the Israelites from King Cushan-Risathaim, who ruled the region of Aram Naharaim (part of Mesopotamia). Cushan-Risathaim had oppressed the Israelites for eight years, and after Othniel overpowered his forces, the Jews enjoyed peace for forty years—until Othniel died.
We read about Othniel’s time as judge in Judges 3:7–11, but he’s also mentioned elsewhere. Both Joshua 15:15–17 and Judges 1:11–13 tell us that Caleb promised to give his daughter Achsah (or Aksah) in marriage to whomever conquered Kiriath Sepher (also known as Debir). Othniel conquered it and Caleb gave him Achsah to be his wife.
