Othniel son of Kenaz is presented as the first judge who delivered Israel (Judges 3:9–11). The text says the Spirit of the LORD came upon him and the land had rest for forty years (Judges 3:10–11).
In Judges 3:8–11, Israel’s troubles are traced to Yahweh’s anger, which results in Israel being handed over to a foreign king for eight years. When Israel cries out, Yahweh raises up a rescuer, Othniel, who leads Israel and defeats the oppressor. This unit is the first full example of the repeating pattern that drives the early stories in Judges: Israel falls into trouble, foreign domination follows, Israel cries out, and a leader is raised up to bring relief and stability.
The passage presents a repeated pattern that will shape the early part of Judges: Israel does wrong, Yahweh’s anger is “kindled,” Israel is handed over to a foreign ruler, Israel cries out, and Yahweh raises up a rescuer (Othniel). These are explicit claims of the text (verses 8–10). It also ties political events to Yahweh’s agency.
A common mistake is to treat this as trivia. Names, places, numbers, and sequence details often carry memory, covenant identity, or narrative movement in the biblical story.
Start with Judges 3:9-11, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
9When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb`s younger brother.
10The Spirit of Yahweh came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand: and his hand prevailed against Cushan- rishathaim.
11The land had rest forty years. Othniel the son of Kenaz died.