When Othniel was designated as the man whom God had chosen to lead and deliver Israel, he did not refuse to take the responsibility. In the strength of God he at once commenced to repress idolatry as the Lord had commanded, to administer justice, and to elevate the standard of morality and religion. As Israel repented of their sins, the Lord manifested His great mercy toward them, and wrought for their deliverance.{2BC 1002.2}

Da Otniel blev udpeget som den mand, Gud havde valgt til at lede og udfri Israel, nægtede han ikke at tage ansvaret. Han begyndte straks i Guds styrke at betvinge afgudsdyrkelsen, sådan som Herren havde befalet, at udøve justits, og ophøje moralitetens og religionens standard. Da Israel angrede deres synder, udviste Herren Sin store barmhjertighed imod dem, og arbejdede for deres udfrielse.