Cushan-rishathaim means "double-wicked blackness." Duet. 9:4 had warned Israel not to think they were possessing the land because of their own righteousness, but rather to recognize that God was driving the other nations out because of their "wickedness." Now because Israel failed to drive them out, and instead worshiped their gods, the "wicked" are ruling over and oppressing them. The deliverer, Othniel, means lion of God. The lion of the tribe of Judah is the first hero to rescue Israel from the blackness of sin and double-wickedness. As Caleb's nephew, he had an example of godly courage to follow. He had previously distinguished himself by conquering a city at Caleb's request and thereby earning the right to marry Caleb's daughter (his cousin). Othniel purposed to oppose wickedness in his day. The passage indicates both that God "gave" the wicked into the lion's hand, and that the hand of the lion was "strengthened, made firm" against him. The cycle of deliverance starts with a cry to God, answered by God raising up a man of faith, courage, and strength.