דברי הימים א, פרק ד׳, פסוק י״ג

Tracing the roots of well-known historical figures, the genealogical record focuses on a significant family branch that produced key leaders for the Israelites. However, in detailing the descendants of Kenaz, a structural difficulty arises. Kenaz himself is introduced without any prior mention in the list to explain who his father was, leaving an apparent gap in the family tree [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

To resolve this missing link, one approach identifies this Kenaz as the son of Jephunneh and the brother of Caleb. The author likely omitted the earlier generations of this specific lineage because it was already famous and widely known from earlier records in the Torah and the Book of Joshua. Trusting the reader's familiarity with this prominent family, the text skips directly to listing the descendants of these brothers [מלבי״ם].

Among the sons of Kenaz, Othniel stands out as a central figure. Known from other accounts as a great man and a mighty warrior, this relative of Caleb holds a major place in the history of the Israelites as the very first judge to rise and lead the nation [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The lineage then moves forward through him, establishing Hathath as the son of Othniel.