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The story of Othniel looks like a report form for the judges with the “blanks” of a complete set of framework expressions filled in with the names of the oppressor and judge. The name Cushan-Rishathaim (“Cushan of Double-Wickedness”) cannot be a historical name, but a caricature emphasizing the consummate criminality of Othniel’s foe. Othniel is the only southern judge, and his genealogy suggests that he alone represents the faithful conquest generation. Therefore he sets the standard by which subsequent leaders are judged. But will the standard set by Othniel be equaled by his successors?