Josué 14
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 14
Utley - “Eleazar the priest” This was the son of Aaron, who was the High Priest at this time and who served Moses (cf. Num. 20:24–29; 26:1–4, 63) and Joshua during this very difficult period (e.g., chapter 22). Moses assigned the task of apportionment to Joshua and Eleazar in Num. 34:17 Wayne
Josué 14
Utley notes that "The land could not be sold permanently (i.e., the year of Jubilee, cf. Lev. 25:8–17)."TSK comments on the efficacy of the lot - Though God had sufficiently pointed out by the predictions of Jacob and Moses what portions he designed for each tribe, yet we readily discern an admirable proof of His wisdom, in the orders he gave to decide them by lot. By this means the false interpretations which might have been given to the words of Jacob and Moses were prevented; and by striking at the root of whatever might occasion jealousies and disputes among the tribes, he evidently secured the honesty of those appointed to distribute the conquered lands of Canaan. Besides, the success of this method gave a fresh proof of the divinity of the Jewish religion, and the truth of its oracles. Each tribe finding itself placed by lot exactly in the spot where Jacob and Moses foretold, it was evident that Providence had equally directed both the predictions and that lot; and it would be the greatest folly and presumption not to acknowledge the inspiration of God in the words of Jacob and Moses; the direction of his hand in the lot, and his providence in the event. Butler emphasizes that "“The people of God are not called to act on their own initiative and desire, nor to set their own goals. God has set the goals and issues the commands which lead to their achievement.” Grant points out that "It is not possible to be definite about the details of “the lot”. Some commentators strongly advocate that it is a reference to the use of the Urim and Thummim, otherwise known as the “judgment of the Urim” (Num 27:21). Bringing the various scriptural references together, it is likely that these were two precious stones, which were held in the breastplate of the High Priest (Ex 28:30). Their purpose was to determine the mind of God in relation to matters of national importance, and the High Priest referred to them in an undisclosed manner. It may well be that the phrases, “came up”, “came forth” and “came out”, indicate the Urim and Thummim being taken from the breastplate. The wisdom of the Lord is seen in the absence of detail in relation to the working of the lot. The tendency of many people towards superstition and religious idolatry is anticipated by the silence of Scripture on this matter. It is not important to know how the lot was cast. The mechanics of the process did not determine the outcome, it was simply a method that the Lord used to show the people His mind and provide guidance for the leadership of the nation: “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord” (Prov 16:33). How easy it is to get caught up with the means whereby the Lord makes His will known to His people and forget that it is the Lord Himself who is important. This is a vital lesson for any believer to learn. Preaching, teaching, singing, witnessing, and praying all have their appropriate place; however, they are only a means to an end. When a person begins to focus on the means rather than the end he loses perspective and the means become the end, e.g. good singing can be a means of worship, but when the singing is worshipped rather than the Lord, the point of the singing has been lost. (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Donald Campbell - According to Jewish tradition the name of a tribe was drawn from one urn and simultaneously the boundary lines of a territory from another. This method designated each tribal inheritance. But blind chance did not decide the tribal location, for God was superintending the whole procedure (cf. Prov. 16:33). The inequities of assignments that existed and that caused some tensions and jealousies among the tribes should have been accepted as a part of God’s purpose, not as something that was arbitrary and unfair. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 14 2. By lot was their inheritance. This distribution by lot was overruled by a special providence, so as to correspond with the inspired predictions of Jacob and Moses, respecting the allotment of each tribe. The fact is very remarkable, yet unquestionable, that the tribes found themselves placed by lot in the very sections of the country, which Jacob had foretold two hundred and fifty years before, and Moses shortly before his death. Comp. Gen. 49, and Deut. 33. To Judah fell a country abounding in vineyards and pastures; to Zebulon, sea-coasts; to Issachar, a rich plain between ranges of mountains; to Asher, one abounding in plenty of oil, wheat, and metals; and so of the others. See Masius and Calmet for more particular details. QUESTION - What was the practice of casting lots? ANSWER - The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In spite of the many references to casting lots in the Old Testament, nothing is known about the actual lots themselves. They could have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones like coins, or some kind of dice; but their exact nature is unknown. The closest modern practice to casting lots is likely flipping a coin. The practice of casting lots occurs most often in connection with the division of the land under Joshua (Joshua chapters 14-21), a procedure that God instructed the Israelites on several times in the book of Numbers (Numbers 26:55; 33:54; 34:13; 36:2). God allowed the Israelites to cast lots in order to determine His will for a given situation (Joshua 18:6-10; 1 Chronicles 24:5,31). Various offices and functions in the temple were also determined by lot (1 Chronicles 24:5, 31; 25:8-9; 26:13-14). The sailors on Jonah’s ship (Jonah 1:7) also cast lots to determine who had brought God’s wrath upon their ship. The eleven apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas (Acts 1:26). Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on. This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garments (Matthew 27:35). The New Testament nowhere instructs Christians to use a method similar to casting lots to help with decision-making. Now that we have the completed Word of God, as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us, there is no reason to be using games of chance to make decisions. The Word, the Spirit, and prayer are sufficient for discerning God’s will today—not casting lots, rolling dice, or flipping a coin. GotQuestions.org Related Resources: American Tract Society Lots Fausset Bible Dictionary Lot Holman Bible Dictionary Lots Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Lots Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Lots The Jewish Encyclopedia Lots Joshua 14:3 For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan; but he did not give an inheritance to the Levites among them. Moses: Jos 13:8 Nu 32:29-42 De 3:12-17 but : Jos 13:14,32,33 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 13:14; 32; 33 Only to the tribe of Levi he did not give an inheritance; the offerings by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as He spoke to him.....13:32 These are the territories which Moses apportioned for an inheritance in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho to the east. 13:33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not give an inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as He had promised to them. REITERATION OF MOSES' DISTRIBUTION For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan - This is essentially a reiteration of information given in Joshua 13:8-32 (also alluded to in Joshua 1:12, 15+, Joshua 12:6+), But he did not give an inheritance to the Levites among them - See comments on Levites in Jos 13:14,32,33. So again there special mention of Levites and the fact that they would not receive an inheritance. Levites - Holman Bible Dictionary The lowest of the three orders in Israel's priesthood. In the earliest biblical records, sacrifices were offered by the chief of a tribe, the head of a family (Genesis 12:7-8; Genesis 31:54 ) or possibly by a priest at a temple (Genesis 14:18 ). Originally, Israel's priests and Temple personnel were to be drawn from the firstborn of every family in Israel (Exodus 13:11-15 ). Later, God chose the tribe of Levi to carry out this responsibility for Israel (Numbers 3:11-13 ). The tribe of Levi was appointed because it was the only tribe that stood with Moses against the people who worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32:25-29; Deuteronomy 10:6-9 ). The Levites were not given a tribal inheritance in the Promised Land (God was their inheritance) but were placed in 48 Levitical cities throughout the land (Numbers 18:20; Numbers 35:1-8; Joshua 13:14 ,Joshua 13:14,13:33; See Numbers 18:24-32 ). Since the Levites were dependent on the generosity of others, families were encouraged to invite the Levites (as well as widows, strangers, and orphans) to join them in their eating and their celebration of the joyous national feast (Deuteronomy 12:12 ,Deuteronomy 12:12,12:18; Deuteronomy 16:11 ,Deuteronomy 16:11,16:14 ). These factors point to the total dedication of the Levites to the work of the Lord rather than the earthly concerns of making a good living. The tribe of Levi included at least three separate families: Gershon, Kohath and Merari (with the families of Moses and Aaron being treated somewhat separately from the rest of the tribe of Gershon). During the wilderness journey they were in charge of taking the tabernacle down, transporting it, setting it up and conducting worship at the tent where God dwelt (Numbers 1:47-54; Numbers 3:14-39 ). In some passages (Deuteronomy 17:9 ,Deuteronomy 17:9,17:18; Deuteronomy 18:1; Deuteronomy 24:8 ), the terms priest and Levite (or Levitical priests) seem identical, but in Exodus 28:1 and Levitcus 8–10 it is clear that only the family of Aaron fulfilled the priestly duties of offering sacrifices in the tabernacle. Because there appears to be a different way of handling the relationship between the priests and the Levites in these texts, interpreters differ in the way they understand the Levites. Although it is possible that the role of the Levites changed or that the distinction between the priests and Levites was not maintained in each period with equal strictness, the interpretation which maintains a general distinction between the priests and Levites seem to fit most texts. The Levites were consecrated to God and given by God as a gift to Israel in order that they might perform the duties at the tabernacle (Exodus 29:1; Leviticus 8:1 ). Their work made it possible for the people to come to the tabernacle and offer sacrifices for the atonement of sins. The Levites assisted the priests in their responsibilities (Numbers 3:5-9; Numbers 16:9 ) by preparing grain offerings and the show bread, by purifying all the holy instruments used in the Temple, by singing praises to the Lord at the time of the morning and evening offerings, by assisting the priests with burnt offerings on sabbaths and feast days, and by being in charge of the Temple precinct and the chambers of the priests (1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 1Chronicles 23:1-13,1 Chronicles 23:24-32; 1 Chronicles 25:1-6; 2 Chronicles 29:12-19 ). Because of their work, the holiness of the Temple was maintained; and the glory of the Lord dwelt among Israel. During David's reign, the Levites were integrated into the administration of the government, including the keeping of the gates, judges, craftsmen, musicians, and overseers of the royal treasury (1 Chronicles 9:22-28; 1 Chronicles 23-26 ) In Jehoshaphat's time the Levites were involved with teaching the people the word of God (2 Chronicles 17:7-9 ). This responsibility probably continued into the postexilic period of Ezra (Nehemiah 8:9-12 ). Related Resources: What is the difference between priests and Levites? | GotQuestions.org How was God Himself the inheritance of the Levites? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 14:4 For the sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, and they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property. the sons of Joseph Ge 48:5 1Ch 5:1,2 cities: Joshua 21:2-42 Nu 35:2-8 1Ch 6:54-81 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Genesis 48:5 (EACH SON OF JOSEPH WAS TREATED AS SEPARATE SO THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRIBES WAS STILL TWELVE - SINCE LEVITES WERE GIVEN NO INHERITANCE). “Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. Numbers 35:1-8+ Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, 2 “Command the sons of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession cities to live in; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities. 3 “The cities shall be theirs to live in; and their pasture lands shall be for their cattle and for their herds and for all their beasts. 4 “The pasture lands of the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits around. 5 “You shall also measure outside the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits, with the city in the center. This shall become theirs as pasture lands for the cities. 6 “The cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee to; and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities. 7 “All the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities, together with their pasture lands. 8 “As for the cities which you shall give from the possession of the sons of Israel, you shall take more from the larger and you shall take less from the smaller; each shall give some of his cities to the Levites in proportion to his possession which he inherits.” EXPLAINING THE "TRIBAL MATHEMATICS" For - Term of explanation. This one is interesting. What is he explaining? From the context he is explaining the "tribal mathematics" (see below). While we usually speak of the 12 tribes of Israel, as explained in this verse, there were in effect 13 tribes (this would likely stump most people if you are playing Bible Trivia!) The sons of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim - This reiterates the words of Genesis 48:5 specifying that the children of Joseph accounted for two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And they did not give a portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to live in, with their pasture lands for their livestock and for their property - If Levites were not included in the allotment of land, then theoretically that left 11 tribes, but here we see that Joseph's two sons are treated separately so that we have the full number of 12 tribes. Therefore the allotment on the western side of the Jordan would be to 9.5 tribes. The cities the Levites were to live in are described in comments on Joshua 21:2-42. See the passage above from Nu 35:2-8 and also 1Chr 6:54-81. Clearly God was making sure that the Levites would be fully taken care of! GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 14 4. The children of Joseph were two tribes. That is, had a double portion or the portion of two tribes. By Joseph’s being reckoned two tribes, the nation was made to consist of twelve tribes, though Levi was excluded. Joshua 14:5 Thus the sons of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they divided the land. Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S CHARGE This is a good start for the sons of Israel. The first step to blessing and victory is always the step of obedience! There are simply no short-cuts to "spiritual success." You can go to all the Christian seminars you want, read all the books on the deeper life you want, etc, etc, but they are all "wood, hay and stubble," if they are not undergirded by the firm foundation of unhesitating, Spirit enabled obedience to the Word of the LORD. Thus the sons of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they divided the land - Sons of Israel lumps all the Israelites together as in agreement of dividing the land, even though it would be done by lot as commanded by God to Moses. In other words, there seems to be unanimity on the method of dividing the land. This is no small point, as we are still dealing with men of flesh, and flesh sees and covets and takes (cf Achan in Joshua 7:21), but here we see the sinful nature of the sons of Israel is seemingly somewhat subdued regarding the division of land. The implication is that they understood the lot process and that it was a true reflection of the will of the LORD for each one of the tribes. In short, we see them trusting in the LORD at this point as a nation. This certainly was a good beginning for Israel. Life Application Study Bible - The land was divided exactly as God had instructed Moses years before. Joshua did not change a word. He followed God’s commands precisely. Often we believe that almost is close enough, and this idea can carry over into our spiritual lives. For example, we may follow God’s Word as long as we agree with it, but ignore it when the demands seem harsh. But God is looking for people who follow instructions thoroughly. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 14 5. And they divided the land. They entered upon the business of dividing it; they took the preliminary measures; they consulted together and settled the manner in which it should be done. The actual dividing took place afterwards. The Scriptures often speak of that as done, which is merely begun or resolved upon. It must have required a considerable time to make all the geographical arrangements necessary for this purpose. Joshua 14:6 Then the sons of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know the word which the LORD spoke to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh barnea. Gilgal: Jos 4:19 10:43 Caleb: Nu 13:6 14:6 Kenezite: Jos 14:14 15:17 Nu 32:12 You know: Nu 14:24,30 De 1:36-38 the man: Nu 12:7,8 De 33:1 34:5,10 Jdg 13:6-8 1Ki 13:1,14 2Ki 4:9,16,42 8:7,11 Ps 90:1 *title 1Ti 6:11 2Ti 3:17 Kadesh barnea: Nu 13:26 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 14:24, 30 (SEE COMMENTARY ON THIS PASSAGE) “But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it.....‘Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. THE LESSON OF TOTAL DEVOTION Wholehearted commitment brings about total devotion to the LORD. Meditate on the life of a man who practiced this mindset which enalbed him to possess his (promised) possessions! Stephen Grant - Joshua 14:6-15:63 is the "largest section of the narrative, dealing with the division of the land, relates to Judah. He was the recipient of a special blessing from Jacob (Gen 49:8–12) and had become the most important of all the tribes of Israel, not least because out of Judah the royal line of David would come, culminating in the birth of the Messiah." (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Gene Getz has a great word on Caleb, A “Behind the Scenes"Man - A difficult thing for many of us is to be faithful when we're not in a prominent position. Somehow we function better when others know how well we're doing. This is a natural tendency. But the true test of our commitment to Jesus Christ is how well we function when we have to operate behind the scenes, even making it possible for someone else to be in the limelight.Caleb illustrates this kind of commitment as no other Bible character. Though the Bible says little about him compared with Joshua, what is written reflects a man who was Joshua's spiritual equal. In fact, in some respects, he excelled Joshua as a leader. But once God appointed Joshua as Moses' successor, Caleb stood quietly beside Joshua—often behind the scenes doing God's will in supporting the Lord's chosen leader of Israel. When God instructed Joshua to divide the land among the tribes, Caleb stepped out of the shadows and walked onto God's great stage. He had waited forty-five years for this moment. He remembered God's promise as if it were yesterday. (Men of Character: Joshua) Then the sons of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal - Recall that Gilgal was the military base of operations and after the land had been given rest from war, this site continued to remain Joshua's site, from which he switched from military commander to land commissioner (so to speak). The first encounter might have been somewhat of a challenge to him, given the fact that the lot method had been announced and accepted unanimously. Presumably this marks the beginning of casting lots and the first would go to the tribe of Judah (described in Joshua 15:1ff), the tribe to which Caleb belongs. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know the word which the LORD spoke to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh barnea - Recall that in Numbers 34:19 Caleb was appointed the leader over the tribe of Judah to apportion the land. Caleb begins not by asking for land but referring to the LORD and His Word to Moses, a Word to which Joshua was a firsthand witness (cf You know) in the sight of Israel's "faith failure" (as a nation), Kadesh-barnea a large desert oasis which became the central point of the wilderness wandering period and lies south of the Dead Sea, midway between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean. Donald Campbell - Caleb is introduced in this passage as the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite. According to Genesis 15:19 the Kenizzites were a tribe of Canaan in Abraham’s day. Caleb’s family then was originally outside the covenant and commonwealth of Israel as were Heber the Kenite (Jdg 4:17), Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 1:1–5), Uriah the Hittite (2 Sa 11:3, 6, 24), and others. It is apparent that the Kenizzites in part at least joined the tribe of Judah before the Exodus. So their faith was not hereditary but was the fruit of conviction. And Caleb displayed that faith throughout his long lifetime. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Stephen Grant gives a different interpretation of the lineage for Caleb - His lineage is mentioned in order that there should be no mistake as to his identity: “Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite”. It should not be inferred from his name that he was a descendent of the Kenizzites (Gen 15:19), who were not of the children of Israel. The better explanation is that Kenaz was the father of Othniel, Caleb’s brother (Joshua 15:17), and therefore through his relationship with Kenaz, Caleb is known as the son of Jephunneh, who was related to Kenaz. He in turn was the grandson of Judah (1 Chr 2:5, 18, 25), and therefore Caleb was of the tribe of Judah (Num 13:6) and the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite. (ED: I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BE CERTAIN REGARDING THE LINEAGE OF CALEB). (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Note Caleb's acknowledgement of Moses as the man of God. is found 6x in the Old Testament - Deut. 33:1; Jos. 14:6; 1 Chr. 23:14; 2 Chr. 30:16; Ezr. 3:2; Ps. 90:1 THOUGHT - Should this not be our holy ambition, to be so pleasing to God (2Co 5:9+), that we receive such a God gloriying epithet to us after we have fallen asleep in Jesus -- "__________, (fill in your name) the man or woman of God!" Let it be so, for all who are reading this comment dear Lord. In Jesus' Name and for Your glory. Amen. Utley has a somewhat confusing note - “Caleb” The name “Caleb” means “dog” (BDB 477). This passage is paralleled in Jdgs. 1:8–15. However, Caleb is described here as a Kenizzite (cf. 1 Chr. 4:13–16), which means that he was not originally of the tribe of Judah, but of a clan of Esau (cf. Gen. 15:19; 36:11). However, within the Pentateuch he is said to be within Judah (cf. Num. 13:6; 14:24; 34:19; 1 Chr. 6:55–56). His exact relationship to Judah is uncertain, but he was a faithful, godly man and one of the two faithful spies (cf. Numbers 13, esp. vv. 30–33). J Oswald Sanders - Into this chilling atmosphere of cowardice and unbelief Mr. Greatheart injected a shot of radiant faith. He merited Dr. Eadie's eulogy: "He was a brave man among cowards, an assured man among sceptics."At every stage he towered above his contemporaries. In youth he stood alone. In mid-life he walked alone. In old age he climbed alone. (Bible Men of Faith) Wayne
Josué 14
Utley - The phrase, “man of God,” is used of several people: 1. Moses (cf. Deut. 33:1; 1 Chr. 23:14; 2 Chr. 30:16; Ezra 3:2; Ps. 90:1) 2. Elijah 3. Elisha 4. Samuel 5. David 6. Shemiah 7. Hanan 8. anonymous person in 1 Sam. 2:27 and 1 Kgs. 13:1–3 QUESTION - Who is Caleb in the Bible? ANSWER - (See also ISBE Article) The story of Caleb, a faithful man of God, begins in the book of Numbers. After being delivered from bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were led by God to the border of the land of Canaan, a land “flowing with milk and honey” that God had promised they would inherit (Exodus 3:8, 17). Moses had chosen twelve men, one from each tribe, to scout the land before entering. Among them was Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah. The twelve men spied out the land for forty days and then came back to Moses. They reported that the land was indeed fruitful but its inhabitants were the mighty descendants of Anak. Terrified by the size and strength of the Canaanites, ten of the spies warned Moses not to enter Canaan (Numbers 13:23–33). Caleb silenced the murmuring, fearful men by saying, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb took his stand because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly (Joshua 14:8–9). Caleb knew of the promises of God to the Israelites, and, despite the evidence of his own eyes regarding the obstacles, he had faith that God would give them victory over the Canaanites. Unfortunately, the people of Israel ignored Caleb and listened to the report of the other spies. They were so frightened that they wept all night and even wished they had died at the hands of their slave masters in Egypt (Numbers 14:1–4). They turned on Caleb and Joshua (the spy from Ephraim) and wanted to stone them on the spot (Numbers 14:6–10). God was exceedingly angry with the people and threatened to destroy them until Moses interceded for them. God relented, but He decreed that the people would wander in the wilderness until all of that faithless generation had died. But God said that “my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly” and gave him the promise that he would own all the land he had seen as a spy (Numbers 14:11–24). The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until all of that generation, except Joshua and Caleb, died (Numbers 14:29–30). After the forty years of wandering and five more years of war within Canaan, Caleb was 85 years old; yet he was as strong as ever and able to fight the same Anakites that had frightened his countrymen. His confidence was born out of his absolute faith in the promises of God (Joshua 15:13–14). Caleb’s territory in Canaan included “Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher)” (Joshua 15:13–15). Othniel, a nephew of Caleb, captured Kiriath Sepher and was given Caleb’s daughter Aksah to wed (verses 16–17). Later, Aksah asked her father to include some springs of water as part of her inheritance (verses 18–19), and Caleb gave them to her. Later still, Othniel, Caleb’s son-in-law, became Israel’s first judge (Judges 3:7–11). From the accounts of the life of Caleb, we see a faithful man who trusted God to fulfill His promises when others allowed their fears to override their small faith. Even into his later years, Caleb remained steadfast in his faith. God blessed Caleb for his faithfulness and patience, an encouragement to us to believe God. Like Caleb, we should be prepared to follow God in every circumstance, patiently waiting for Him to fulfill His promises and ready to take action when the time is right.GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? ANSWER - (SEE MAP) (SEE WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE) Kadesh Barnea is a region located in the Desert of Zin that is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament. It was located somewhere along the border of Edom and Israel, southwest of the Dead Sea. Kadesh Barnea, sometimes simply called Kadesh, is connected to many significant events in Israel’s history, specifically in the Pentateuch. The name Kadesh Barnea is thought to mean “the holy place of the desert of wandering.” Kadesh Barnea served as a place of combat in the book of Genesis when Abraham fought the Amalekites there (Genesis 14:7). It is ironic that the very place where Abraham experienced victory over the Amalekites is where the Israelites later failed to believe that God would give them victory in acquiring the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 9:23). The account in Genesis also includes Hagar’s meeting with the Angel of the Lord “between Kadesh and Bered” after she was mistreated by Sarah (Genesis 16:14). Kadesh Barnea seems to have been a regular camping spot for the Israelites throughout their years of desert wandering (Numbers 13:26; 20:1, 14; 33:36). It was at Kadesh that Miriam died and was buried (Numbers 20:1). Two significant events that occurred at Kadesh Barnea were the Israelites’ faithless refusal to possess the Promised Land (Numbers 13:32–33) and their opposition to Moses at not having enough water (Numbers 20:2–5). These two events, marked by unbelief, grumbling, and disobedience, directly affected Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites. The men who had left Kadesh Barnea to scout out the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua, failed to believe that God could give them possession of Canaan (Numbers 14:30; Joshua 14:7). Instead, they insisted that the people of Canaan, who included the Nephilim, were too powerful for them to fight. The ten scouts bringing the evil report persuaded the people that the land would be impossible to acquire (Numbers 13:32–33). Because of their failure to believe, the Israelites had to wander in the desert for another 38 years, waiting until all those who were 20 years and older died, so that the next generation could take possession of the land (Numbers 14:29; Deuteronomy 2:14). Years later, Moses and Aaron were also denied entrance into the Promised Land because of their disobedience to God at Kadesh Barnea. God had instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the grumbling Israelites, but he disobeyed by striking the rock twice (Numbers 20:12). Because the Israelites had failed to believe and obey the Lord, their arrival into the land “flowing with milk and honey” was postponed until Joshua led the younger generation out of the wilderness by the command of the Lord. In the desert of wandering, the Israelites experienced plagues, death, and testing. The Israelites failed the tests that took place in Kadesh Barnea, and that remained etched in their memory forever. Their unbelief led to the postponement of entering Canaan and claiming God’s blessings (Psalm 95:8–11; Hebrews 3:7–19). May we not follow the unbelief of those who did not trust God to fulfill His promises. When times of testing come, may we display the faith that Joshua and Caleb had in trusting God at Kadesh Barnea. GotQuestions.org Joshua 14:6-15 TODAY IN THE WORD Was Pete Sampras too old to win a major tennis tournament? Should he retire and leave the field to younger stars? Critics said he was finished. After two years and 33 tournaments without a title, it certainly looked that way . . . to everyone but Sampras. And he proved his point at the 2002 U.S. Open, beating rival Andre Agassi in four sets to win his fourteenth career Grand Slam championship, a record. Taking the tournament for the fifth time, he then became the oldest man to win in more than thirty years. Of course, we’re talking about a man who was 31 years old at the time. If he can do it again at age 85, then he might qualify to be in Caleb’s league! Caleb lived a life characterized by faith and wisdom. In the original spy mission, he brought a report according to his convictions, not according to the obstacles he saw. He trusted the promises of God, followed Him wholeheartedly, and was publicly commended for doing so (vv. 7–9). He also showed faith through the difficult time of waiting–for 45 years!–before he finally crossed the Jordan River. It must have been quite depressing, waiting for an entire disobedient generation to die off. Surely he had plenty of chances to give up or lose focus, yet his faith remained strong. Wisely, he continued to trust in the Lord. At age 85, standing at last on the edge of the Promised Land, Caleb showed faith in the future. He declared his readiness to go and fight. He praised God for keeping him strong. Anakites or no, he was eager to inherit the land God had promised (v. 12). He was given Hebron, in hill country about 25 miles south of Jerusalem. He later gave the city away to the Levites, demonstrating he was not preoccupied with the “spoils of war” (Josh. 21:11). That’s not what his life was about. TODAY ALONG THE WAY Here’s an open question for you to reflect on today: Do you live with the wholehearted faith of Caleb? Do you both wait and act with perfect faith? “Wholehearted” means your entire heart is devoted to God–not even one tiny corner of it is given over to selfish pursuits or ambitions. You belong to the Lord, without reservation. Caleb (Joshua 14:6–15; 15:13–19) Caleb is one of the great characters in the Bible: a man of vibrant faith and daring courage. He has been worthily described as Mr Greatheart of the Old Testament. We find the account of Caleb in two parts. The first part appears in Josh 14:6–15, and the second part in Josh 15:13–19. His words and deeds are recorded only here and in Numbers 13–14, where he was described as a representative of the tribe of Judah sent to spy out the land. He and Joshua were the only two who returned to Kadesh Barnea with a favourable report. Of Caleb God said, ‘My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it’ (Numbers 14:24). With the exception of Joshua, Caleb was the oldest man in all Israel, for all who were above twenty years of age when he was forty died in the wilderness. He and Joshua were the sole survivors of their generation, which had left Egypt. He was therefore at least twenty years older than any of the others. He is here called ‘the Kenizzite’. Keil and Delitzsch say, ‘We are not to understand that Caleb or his father Jephunneh is described as a descendant of the Canaanitish tribe of the Kenezzites (Genesis 15:19), but Kenaz was a descendant of Hezron, the son of Perez and grandson of Judah.’ Given that he was a ‘leader’ of the tribe of Judah (Numbers 13:2) just after they had left Egypt, it seems improbable that he could have been a foreigner, as some claim, for the qualities and positions of leadership would have evolved among the children of Israel while they were still in Egypt and at Sinai. It would seem, therefore, that Caleb was an Israelite and a leader of the tribe of Judah. Joshua’s great leadership qualities and his deeds are well documented, but we hear nothing of Caleb, who simply took his place once more in the tribe of Judah. Now, as an old man of eighty-five, he comes before his leader and former spy partner, Joshua, and reminds him of what Moses had said to him when he sent them both out to investigate the land: ‘The land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance’ (Joshua 14:9). The grand old man was claiming an inheritance. This hill country was occupied by the mighty Anakim, before whom the ten spies had seen themselves as grasshoppers. He asked Joshua for mountains to climb and giants to conquer! Mr Greatheart cries out, ‘Give me this mountain!’ What a word of faith and inspiration! He brought ‘the children of Judah’ (Josh 14:6), that is the heads of his tribe, with him to testify their consent to his claim. God chose him from Judah to divide the land (Numbers 34:18–19) so, lest he should seem to be improving his lot for personal advantage as a commissioner, he brings them with him to give their approval. Caleb was a man of vibrant faith ‘Without faith it is impossible to please [God]’ (Hebrews 11:6). Caleb had a robust and unwavering faith that was all the more remarkable because it was surrounded by the gigantic waves of unbelief arising from the opposition of those who chose to believe the pessimistic reports of the ten spies. HE BELIEVED IN GOD’S PURPOSES ‘He brought us out from there, that he might bring us in, to give us the land of which he swore to our fathers’ (Deuteronomy 6:23). That was the object of their leaving Egypt—to enter into their rightful inheritance promised to Abraham and given to them by God. Caleb knew that Joseph had said on his deathbed, ‘God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’ Joseph had then charged the people: ‘You shall carry up my bones from here’ (Genesis 50:24–25). The bones of Joseph were an inspiration to faith and an indication of God’s purposes for the nation. He had been brought out of Egypt by God’s power. There was purpose in God’s miraculous care and provision in the wilderness. God did not guide them by the cloud and fiery pillar in order to leave them at the mercy of this howling wilderness or of the giants occupying the land. God was saying to them, ‘Go up and possess the land.’ This miracle-working God intended to give them the land, and they were to obey him and take it. It all made sense to Caleb. HE TRUSTED IN GOD’S PROMISES His was a faith founded upon the word of God. He remembered the time and place of God’s speaking to him. Several times in his request to Joshua, Caleb mentions God’s word: ‘the word which the LORD said to Moses the man of God’ (Josh 14:6); ‘as he said’ (Josh 14:10a); ‘ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses’ (Josh 14:10b); ‘which the LORD spoke in that day’ (Josh 14:12a); ‘as the LORD said’ (Josh 14:12b). Five times Caleb hammers this point home. He bases his request on the word which the Lord had spoken to Moses, and this request is for nothing other than that which God promised him. He simply believed God. For Caleb, God was able to give glorious victory against overwhelming odds! ‘Now therefore,’ he said, ‘give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day’ (Josh 14:12). He claimed the promise. It was an unwavering faith in the face of massive opposition in the land. ‘Give me this mountain’—a striking and grand watchword for us all! The ten measured their own strength against that of the giants, and the two, Joshua and Caleb, measured the giants against God. The ten gazed at the giants; the two gazed at God. The ten had great giants and a small God; the two had a great God and small giants. God was far greater than these giant people in their strong fortified cities. Caleb remembered gratefully what God had done when ‘Israel wandered in the wilderness’ (v. 10). He said, ‘He will bring us into this land and give it to us … Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them’ (Numbers 14:8–9). As one commentator put it, ‘they are our bread’ means ‘the bigger the giant, the bigger the loaf’. We will consume them! This magnificent blending of faith and courage failed to elicit any response among the people. Sadly, Caleb was being introduced to the isolation of faith. He and Joshua stood alone and pleaded with the rebellious multitudes, who ‘said to stone them with stones’ (Numbers 14:10). It was a great national mutiny. God banished them to the wilderness, and all those who were twenty years or above when they left Egypt died in the wilderness. The spies had spent forty days in the land, and unbelieving Israel’s sentence was forty years in the wilderness: a year for a day (Numbers 14:29, 33–34). HE RELIED ON GOD’S PRESENCE ‘The LORD is with us!’ he cried (Numbers 14:9). Full of expectancy he said to Joshua, ‘It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said’ (Joshua 14:12). ‘As the LORD said’ shows that his trust was in the Lord and that this was a word of confidence. Because of Yahweh’s promise, such as that in Exodus 23:29–31, Caleb suspects that Yahweh will drive out the enemy before him. He is expectant, not doubtful; confident, not cocky; for God is with him. How precious is the presence of God! How humbling, how encouraging, how inspiring! As we wait in his presence, far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife, his radiant beauty meets our sight and Jesus fills the horizon. We are encompassed in his tender embrace as he touches our deepest heart-strings. We bow and weep and repeat his wonderful Name as our hearts are melted before him. He ravishes our soul; he fills the horizon; he is the altogether Lovely One. There is nothing like the presence of God. With God’s presence we can go through fire and water. God said to Moses, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ Then Moses replied, ‘If your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here’ (Exodus 33:14–15). In his presence the fire burns fiercely in our hearts and our commitment is total. Complete abandonment to him and his will is so easy when we find the wonder of the Lord in the precious trysting-place. HE WAS CONFIDENT OF GOD’S POWER Caleb had witnessed God in action. He had seen so much of the power of God. He had gazed upon the river of Egypt which turned to blood, he had heard the wailing of the Egyptians when they realized that their firstborn were dead. Ah, yes, he knew that God was alive and was the all-powerful One. He had walked together with all the others across the dry seabed. He had seen Pharaoh and his hordes drown in the waters as they pursued Israel. He had eaten the manna in the camp of Israel. He had seen enemy forces, like those of Amalek, defeated. He knew that if God was with him he would be victorious. If God be for us, who can be against us? How little we know of the power of God in our lives and in our meetings! We see so little of the melting presence of God, so little of brokenness. How we need God to reveal his power and his presence, which will most certainly transform our lives and enable us to go forth and conquer! ‘The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits’ (Dan. 11:32). Caleb was a man with a consistent life A number of qualities marked his character: PHYSICAL STRENGTH He said, ‘The LORD has kept me alive’ (Joshua 14:10). That was no ordinary statement. He had watched a whole generation die in the wilderness. In fact, he and Joshua were the only ones to have survived. He probably had had many scrapes with death in the battles for the land. Through it all, ‘the LORD has kept me alive’. That speaks of agility, strength, watchfulness and alertness. He was no slouch. He was awake, able, active and available. He said, ‘I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war’ (Josh 14:11). He said these things as if anticipating objections to his propositions because of his age. It is surely a wonderful testimony to God’s keeping power and sustaining grace. The old man, who should have been putting on his slippers, ties on his mountain boots and prepares for an all-out war. He is up for the most difficult of tasks. His trust is in God, who would give him the victory. What a spirit! What spiritual initiative and drive! DAUNTLESS COURAGE This courage was both moral and physical. Morally, he had stood almost alone against the swiftly-flowing tide of popular opinion. Standing alone is one of the most searching tests, particularly for young people. It takes courage to stand alone. Physically, he had held firmly to his convictions even when the despairing, menacing crowd cried out to stone him to death. He had advised a dangerous line of action, that of attacking the Canaanites, and when he later claimed his inheritance he claimed the very mountainous area that was infested with hordes of fierce Anakim in their fortified cities. It would seem that this was the place from which the spies had concluded that the conquest of the land was impossible, for Hebron seemed altogether invincible. This was the very place that Caleb claimed. It took courage, but this rose from his unshakeable trust in his great God. SELFLESSNESS Caleb had lived quietly, seeking no particular honour for himself. His choice of Hebron was not only courageous but also unselfish. Would it not have been easier for Caleb to ask for some well-conquered and productive fertile valley, where he could spend the rest of his days in peaceful enjoyment? But no! Selflessly, courageously and believingly he offers to drive out the Anakim from their fortified cities and preserve the area for himself and for the nation. When Joshua was promoted as leader, Caleb accepted the choice and was happy to follow his new leader. He was not even made second-in-command. We read of no attitude of jealousy or chafing under the guidance and command of Joshua. He selflessly accepted his lot and willingly served in his appointed place. STEADFASTNESS Caleb had been so convinced that God was with them at Kadesh Barnea, but how did he fare in the long, tedious years of wilderness wandering? The testings of the long haul take their toll. Unconsciously, deterioration sets in, and the one who was so bright in youth often fails in middle life. Don’t lose heart and lose the vision in midlife! For forty years he was with the complaining, unbelieving and dying multitude wandering aimlessly in the desert. This is where his trust in God had brought him! Yet he did not become resentful, but maintained his spiritual integrity. He survived the long test without losing stature. He was in the commonplace, the humdrum, for so long, but his commitment remained as fresh as ever and his devotion just as vital. WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION The secret of Caleb’s life is found in the phrase which is repeated five times in these chapters: ‘He wholly followed the LORD’ (Joshua 14:8–9, 14; Numbers 14:24; 32:12; Deuteronomy 1:36). Caleb himself states, ‘I wholly followed the LORD’ (Joshua 14:8). This is an honest declaration of an undeflected purpose. Moses said to him, ‘You have wholly followed the LORD my God’ (Joshua 14:9). And God testified, ‘Caleb … has followed me fully’ (Numbers 14:24). Here is a man of unbending integrity, who followed the Lord through thick and thin. When his life was in danger from the stones of his disgruntled brethren, he stood firm; when he walked the weary paths in the wilderness, all because the nation had rejected what he knew to be true, he stood firm; when the army invaded Canaan, he gave himself to the battles; when the biggest challenge of all faced him, that of conquering the mighty mountainous region of Hebron, he was there to meet the challenge. He followed God wholeheartedly and with complete abandon. He entertained no divided loyalties. He was committed to God’s person, whom he would serve, and to his will, which he would do. Caleb was a man with a wide inheritance Not only did Caleb claim and possess his inheritance of the hill country centred in Hebron, but God blessed him in so many other ways as well. HE HAD A LONG LIFE When God told Joshua that he was old, Caleb was still full of the vigour of youth. God had strengthened him to fulfil his purposes so that at the last he could drive the giants from the land. HE HAD CONTINUED STRENGTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE The best reward for service is further service. He was in superb condition physically and would not only conquer the Anakim but would also be involved in the organization of the new settlement in Hebron. His service continued. It is often the case that the greatest of all of life’s achievements take place in old age. It’s not too late to reach out for God’s best! Caleb trusted in what God had said to him. He increased in stature until the end. The best was always yet to be! HE CLAIMED HIS POSSESSION Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15), and he gave his name to the city (Hebron), which was formerly called Kirjath Arba. His son Anak had three sons, Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, and Caleb drove out these men from Hebron (15:13–14). Caleb conquered! Hebron was fruitful, for rich produce came in from the nearby fertile areas. HE HAD REST ‘Then the land had rest from war’ (Josh 14:15). The name ‘Hebron’ conveys the meaning of friendship, love and communion. At last Caleb could share in the rest together with the whole land. It had been a long battle, but at last there was rest. HIS FAITH AND SPIRIT WERE INFECTIOUS Kirjath Sepher lay just south of Hebron—later to be called Debir. Caleb threw out the challenge, ‘He who attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife’ (Josh 15:16). Othniel rose in his strength, took the city and claimed his bride. She had dry land, so she took the initiative and asked her father, ‘ “Give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs’ (Josh 15:19). The land could now be irrigated and would be useful and productive. Caleb’s spirit spilled over into his children, and they too were able to reach out to claim their inheritance in the fruitful area around Hebron. He made sure that his daughter had a worthy husband. Othniel later became the judge of Israel (Judges 3:10). (Joshua: A Devotional Commentary - Colin N. Peckham) Joshua 14:6-13 A 45-Year-Old Promise The Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses. —Joshua 14:10 Nola Ochs, a student at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, took a break from her studies recently to celebrate her 95th birthday. She began attending college at Fort Hays in 1930 but didn’t graduate. When she realized she was only a few credits away from earning her degree, she returned to the university in 2006. Nola is not going to let her age prevent her from honoring a commitment over 76 years ago to finish her education. In Joshua 14 we read that Caleb did not allow his advancing age to prevent him from believing that God would still honor His promise given 45 years earlier (Joshua 14:10-12). As one of the original scouts sent into the Promised Land, he saw large cities inhabited by powerful people of great stature (Num. 13:28-33). But Caleb was faithful to God and believed He would help the Israelites conquer the land (Joshua 14:6-9). At 85 years of age, Caleb was still physically strong and his faith unwavering. He trusted that God would help him to conquer the land, even though it still had giants. So Joshua blessed Caleb with his portion of the land, fulfilling God’s 45-year-old promise. Like Caleb, we must not allow age, our personal giants, or yet-unfulfilled promises to prevent us from believing that God still honors His word to us. If God’s creation helps us see What wonders He can do, Then we can trust His promises, For they are always true. —D. De Haan Every promise of God comes with His personal guarantee. Joshua 14:7 "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought word back to him as it was in my heart. sent me: Nu 13:6,16-20 I brought: Nu 13:25-33 Nu 14:6-10 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 13:25-33 When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days, 26 they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Thus they told him, and said, “We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 “Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 “Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.” 30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” 32 So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. 33 “There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 “If the LORD is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us–a land which flows with milk and honey. 9“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” CALEB REVIEWS THE HISTORY OF THE SPY EPISODE Caleb begins to recount the story of the never-to-be forgotten day that occurred almost 47 years earlier, the return of the 12 spies after spying out the Promised Land. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land - Here Caleb refers to Moses as the servant of the LORD who gave him a mission, which 10 saw somewhat as "mission impossible." and I brought word back to him as it was in my heart - Caleb saw his mission from Moses as one that required him to spy and to give an accurate rendering of what he saw. The phrase as it was in my heart speaks of Caleb's reaction or response to what his eyes beheld (giant men and giant cities). These sights did not generate fear in his heart but fearless courage bases on faith in a faithful God.
Josué 14
Utley - “perhaps the LORD will be with me” This is a Hebrew idiom which does not refer to lack of faith, but is rather an expression of confidence that God will act appropriately. Dale Ralph Davis points out that "Caleb as an example of how Israel’s tribes ought to be extending the original conquest by cleaning out and nailing down their various tribal portions." (Joshua: No Falling Words) Caleb reminds me of Martin Luther's famous statement: "Here I stand; God help me." Life Application Study Bible - When Joshua gave Caleb his portion, it fulfilled a promise God had made to Caleb 45 years earlier. We expect such integrity and reliability from God, but do we expect the same from his followers? How about you? Is your word this reliable? Would you honor a 45-year-old promise? God would—and does. Even today he is honoring promises he made thousands of years ago. In fact, some of his greatest promises are yet to be fulfilled. This gives us much to look forward to. Let your faith grow as you realize that God keeps his word. There is a foe whose hidden power | The Christian well may fear, More subtle far than inbred sin And to the heart more dear. It is the power of selfishness, It is the wilful I, And ere my Lord can live in me My very self must die. There is like Anak's sons of old A race of giants still, Self-glorying, self-confidence, Self-seeking and self-will. Still must these mighty Anakim By Caleb's sword be slain, Ere Hebron's heights of heavenly love Of conquering feet can gain. -- A B Simpson GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 14 Give me this mountain. Not any particular mountain, but this mountainous tract or region; for such was eminently the country about Hebron. He does not mention and cannot mean the city of Hebron alone, which had been before taken by Joshua, but he included in his request all the adjacent country, to the caves and strongholds of which the Anakim had retired, and where they were now abiding in considerable force. The city itself fell afterwards to the lot of the Levites, ch. 21:13, and became a city of refuge, ch. 20:7. ‘When Caleb had it, he contented himself with the country about it, and cheerfully gave the city to the priests, the Lord’s ministers; thinking it could not be better bestowed, no, not upon his own children, nor that it was the less his own for being thus devoted to God.’ Henry. Hebron, at a still later period, became a royal city, being made in the beginning of David’s reign the metropolis of the kingdom of Judah. For thou heardest—how the Anakims were there. This, it would seem, was the place from which more than any other the spies took their unfavorable report; for here they met with the sons of Anak, the sight of whom so much intimidated them. ‘We may suppose that Caleb, observing what stress they laid upon the difficulty of conquering Hebron, a city garrisoned by the giants, and how from thence they inferred that the conquest of the whole land was utterly impracticable, bravely desired to have that city which they called invincible assigned to himself for his own portion; “I will undertake to deal with that, and if I cannot get it for my inheritance, I will do without.” “Well,” said Moses, “it shall be thine own then, win it and wear it.” Henry. Such is the spirit of the true Christian hero. All indeed are not such, but some are; and he who is, is not only willing, but forward, in the strength of God, to encounter the most formidable enemies and the most apparently insuperable obstacles in working out the will of his heavenly Master. If there is any enterprise of peculiar difficulty to be undertaken, or any post of especial danger to be occupied, he is prompt to volunteer his services for the occasion. Not that he courts the perilous work, merely for the purpose of a vain-glorious display of courage or skill, but because he wishes to honor God by his faith; to give him an opportunity, through such an humble instrument, to glorify his great name and confound the infidelity of his enemies and his timorous friends. In one who feels the missionary impulse, this Caleb-like spirit will prompt to a fearless survey of the whole field, and if there be any spot which is at once promising and yet appalling, desirable and yet dreadful; a spot where the greatest force of heathen opposition is concentrated, that is the spot which will be really most attractive in his eye. Its difficulties and dangers will be among its highest recommendations. This spirit shone conspicuously in Paul in the whole course of his life and labors, and on one occasion we see it nobly expressing itself in so many words, when he says of Ephesus, ‘A great and effectual door is opened unto me, and many adversaries.’ The ‘adversaries’ were no doubt among the special inducements that prompted him to enter that field. It is cause of gratitude to God that there are such spirits still to be found in the world, and that as long as there shall be sons of Anak on earth to intimidate the fearful, there shall be also sons of Caleb to grapple with and destroy them. If so be the Lord will be with me, &c. Chal. ‘Perhaps the Word of the Lord will be for my help.’ The ardor of a bold native temperament is here moderated by the workings of a spirit of conscious unworthiness and of humble dependence on the Divine blessing. Caleb in these words virtually acknowledges that the battle is not to the strong nor the race to the swift, and that the favorable presence of God with us in our undertakings is all in all to our success. The expression is not to be understood as implying any doubt in his mind of God’s readiness to assist him, but simply as a disclaimer of exclusive reliance on his own unaided prowess. It is the language of one who feels that an arm of flesh, even all the forces of Israel combined, without the blessing of heaven, would be powerless to accomplish the desired result. Hope Seeing Yourself As a Senior Citizen A Lewis Patterson "So, now give me this mountain of which the Lord spake in that day; for you heard on that day how the Anakeim were there with great fortified cities; it may be that the Lord will be with me..."—Joshua 14:12-14 Have you ever considered how you want to be remembered by your concentric circle of contact? Companions, church, children? Our exit will be remembered much longer than our entrance. It is quite revealing that our Christ, whom we all love so much and follow so gladly, asked for several things, many times while tabernacling down here on planet earth. Yet, all requests were directed toward others (so unlike ourselves). Jesus asked us to do a lot of things in order to bring glory to the Father. Jesus asked us to do a lot of things to bless others. Jesus asked us to do a lot of things to develop ourselves to our highest potential. Jesus asked us to do things to fulfill Scripture. However, the only thing Jesus asked us to do specifically for Himself was to, "do this in rememberance of me." Jesus wants us to remember Him. Consider now Caleb and how he chooses to celebrate his 85th birthday anniversary. Caleb said, "I am this day 85 years old; therefore, give me this mountain whereof the Lord spake" (Joshua 14:12). Notice, Caleb is not focused on retirement, not focused on Social Security, not focused on a rocking chair, not focused on hunting, fishing, or even dominoes. Rather, Caleb is focusing on the challenge to climb the mountain he expects the Lord to give him. Caleb is also ready to battle because the Anakeim (enemies) were there. Now, let us clearly settle the issue that what I am today is a cumulative result of what I gave myself to and the choices I made yesterday; and the choices I make today will in a very real sense result in what I am tomorrow, or when I become a senior citizen. Now, to understand the analogous relationships that life as promised by God is three-score years and ten. (That’s 70 with an additional promise of conditional years.) Let us divide 70 years into approximate quarters like unto a football game. The first 17 years serve as the first quarter; then from 17 through 34, we are in the second quarter. At 35, our life is comparable to half-time. From 35 to 53, it’s the third quarter; and thus 53 to 70 is the fourth quarter of the game of life. All the years after that must of necessity be "overtime." The good or bad news is that one can win or lose "in overtime." Caleb won his game as an 85 year-old senior citizen. Many of us have heard the two-minute warning in regulation while others of us are already in overtime. Let us check Caleb out at half-time, fresh out of the Young Adult Department. Our text will reveal to us that what this senior citizen at 85 was doing while a young adult, at 40, has continuing consequences. I. Notice, first of all the practice of Caleb. Check out the 12 men Moses sent on the assigned mission as recorded in Numbers, chapter 13, verses 1, 2, 17, 21, 25, 27, and 28; yet, notice the difference in verse 30 from the view point of Caleb. The majority report said, "It’s a great land flowing with milk and honey; nevertheless, the 10 who influenced the rest of the people made a choice not go into the land which was promised by God. This decision was because of a negative mental attitude. Caleb was a young man who recognized that the mind is made for truth, the emotions for righteousness, and the will for submission and obedience. Caleb responded with a positive mental attitude (Numbers 13:30): "Let us go up at once and possess...We are well able to overcome it." Let us examine this text a little closer and see how we will be remembered as a senior citizen. Caleb had a partner. Can you remember his name? Sure you can. It was Joshua. Now there were 10 others who gave a negative report and made a negative choice. Let us see how many you can name or remember or that you named your children after. Shamua, Shephat, Igal, Qshea, Palti, Goddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahui, and Gavel. You don’t remember or recognize any one of them, do you? Don’t underestimate the choices you make as a young person of either selfish personal aggrandizement or submission to assigned delegated authority. We pick up the scenario while Caleb is a subordinate to Moses, and Moses has sent Caleb and the other 11 on a mission to spy out the land and bring back a report. II. The second focus is concentrated on Caleb’s purpose (Joshua 14:7-8). Remember, Daniel purposed in his heart, also (that’s another word for conviction). A settled, non-negotiable conviction that left no room for debate or discussion with the people of a negative mental attitude all around him. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). It’s what’s in your heart, not the heart of others. Caleb wanted as a birthday gift a mountain to climb. He was willing to climb the mountain and fight the enemy. That’s why he is a remarkable senior citizen. III. A final consideration of Caleb brings us to recognize Caleb’s perception. Numbers 14:24 teaches us that Caleb had a different spirit from the other negative, murmuring, grumbling, complaining, rebellious crowd. At 40, Caleb had a positive mental attitude and a submissive spirit that said, "Let us go up at once for we are well able to overcome this land." At 85, Caleb said, "Let’s go. A mountain is no problem; enemies don’t have the last word. If the Lord is with me, I’ll drive them out." That truth is still applicable to us by faith (Hebrews 11:6). If the Lord is with me, I’ll climb this mountain! If the Lord is with me, I’ll come through this valley. If the Lord is with me, I will overcome. If the Lord is with me, He’ll make my enemies leave me alone. If the Lord is with me, I’ll rise again. If our practice is right, if our purpose is right, if our perception is right, it will result in our position being right! This position will result in our praise being right! Hallelujah for the Lamb! Joshua 14:13 So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. blessed: Jos 22:6 Ge 47:7,10 1Sa 1:17 Song 6:9 gave: Jos 10:36,37 15:13 21:11,12 Jdg 1:20 1Ch 6:55,56 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Judges 1:19-20+ Now the LORD was with Judah (COMPARE CALEB'S STATEMENT IN Joshua 14:12), and they took possession of the hill country (NOTE - SOVEREIGNTY/RESPONSIBILITY); but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had iron chariots (NOT SO MUCH THEY COULD NOT, BUT THEY "WOULD NOT!"). 20 Then they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had promised; and he drove out from there the three sons of Anak. JOSHUA BLESSES CALEB'S REQUEST So - Term of conclusion. Based on Caleb's clear, succinct declaration and desire, a declaration which Joshua knew to be absolutely true because he was eyewitness, he responded accordingly. Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance - The NET version has an interesting translation (albeit a bit interpretative) "Joshua asked God to empower Caleb son of Jephunneh and assigned him Hebron." The secret of being blessed by Joshua was obedience, just as the secret of being blessed by our "Joshua" (Jesus) is obedience and this is always the pathway to experience the blessings of our promised inheritance in Christ. There is a reward for faithfulness! J Oswald Sanders on Hebron - Hebron was the choicest spot in the land, fertile, highly elevated, with a wonderful view. It was there the patriarchs had spent most of their lives. Beneath its oaks Abraham had pitched his tents. Its soil had been trodden by the Son of God who with two attendants visited those tents. There Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah lay buried. Caleb desired it because it was the best. Most are content with the good. Only a few are prepared to pay the price of the best, for God's best gifts are the most costly. Satan disputes our way most, not on the plains of average blessing, but on the heights. (Bible Men of Faith) It is worth noting that Joshua received a personal allotment in Joshua 19 When they finished apportioning the land for inheritance by its borders, the sons of Israel gave an inheritance in their midst to Joshua the son of Nun. 50 In accordance with the command of the LORD they gave him the city for which he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. So he built the city and settled in it. (Joshua 19:49-50) Campbell on blessed him "that is, he set him apart for God’s enablement so he would be enriched and successful in his task." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Stephen Grant on blessed him - The whole subject of blessing in Scripture is interesting. God is the originator of every blessing. When a man blesses another man, he desires that God will prosper him. Therefore, the spiritual character of the man who blesses is important, since his blessing will have more significance if he has power with God; “without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better” (Heb 7:7). When a man blesses God, he is unable to prosper God. He is able, however, to ascribe worship and praise to Him; this is seen when Paul writes to the Christians at Ephesus, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3). (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Blessed (01288) barak) is a verb which literally can mean to kneel (to go to one's knees - Camel in Ge 24:11, Solomon in 2Chr 6:13) as contrasted with standing position or even a bowing at the waist). And so barak can refer to an act of adoration sometimes on bended knee. To give divine blessings (Ge 1:22, 9:1-7) To esteem greatly or adore God for His blessings (Ge 24:48, Ps 103:1) To invoke blessings upon another (Ge 24:60, 27:4, 27) The Greek (Septuagint) translates barak in Josh 14:13 with the verb eulogeo (from eú = good, well + logos = word. English = eulogize, eulogy = commendatory formal statement or set oration; high praise; to extol) means literally to a good word and so to speak a good word of , to speak well or favorably of someone (especially God - Lk 1:64, 1Cor 14:16) or some thing. To say something commendatory, to praise, to extol. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 14 13. And Joshua blessed him. That is, not only granted his request, but applauded his brave and enterprising spirit, and implored the blessing of God upon him in reference to his proposed undertaking. QUESTION - What is the significance of Hebron in the Bible? ANSWER - The ancient city of Hebron, today called Al-Khalil in Arabic, was located approximately 20 miles south of present-day Jerusalem in the Judean valley. Hebron is significant in the Bible for a couple of reasons. Hebron is first mentioned in Genesis 13:18 as a place where Abram (later known as Abraham) traveled after parting company with his nephew Lot. At Hebron the Lord first showed Abram the land that would belong to him and his offspring (Genesis 13:14–17). Later, after the death of King Saul, God told David to go to Hebron, and it became the city where David ruled over Judah for seven years because at that time the Jebusites controlled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 2:1–4, 5:3). After his wife, Sarah, died, Abraham still lived in Hebron, which belonged to the Hittites (Genesis 23). He wanted to bury Sarah there, so he approached a man named Ephron and asked to buy a cave for a burial site. Abraham was so well-respected among the Hittites that they offered to give him any cave he desired. But Abraham insisted on paying full price, and he selected an area called Machpelah, owned by a man named Ephron. Again, Ephron tried to give Abraham the cave, but Abraham insisted on paying full price. “So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field—was deeded to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city. Afterward, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan. So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site” (Genesis 23:17–20). This cave in Hebron is also called Kiriath-Arba, and, later, Abraham was also buried there (Genesis 25:10); and Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob (Genesis 47:29–30), and Leah (Genesis 49:30–32). The cave of Machpelah in Hebron is considered by the Jews to be the second holiest site in all Israel. Today it is under Palestinian control and is known to Jewish inhabitants as the Cave (or Tomb) of the Patriarchs. Muslims refer to it as the Sanctuary of Abraham. The land around Hebron was part of the allotment Joshua gave to Caleb when Israel took the Promised Land (Joshua 14:13). Hebron was a reward for Caleb’s faithful service and loyalty to the Lord. Caleb probably desired Hebron because it may have contained the “valley of Eschol” from which the spies had brought great clusters of grapes as proof of the land’s bounty (Numbers 13:23). Hebron was later designated as a city of refuge (Joshua 20:1–7). Hebron became the capital of Judah, and from there David reigned for seven-and-a-half years. During David’s reign in Hebron, Abner, the former commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth across the Jordan River and set him up as king of Israel. Eventually, however, Abner defected to David’s side and vowed to bring all of Israel under David’s control (2 Samuel 3:8–12). When Joab, David’s commander learned of this, he was certain Abner was only spying for Ish-Bosheth (2 Samuel 3:24–25). He also hated Abner for killing his brother Asahel at the battle of Gibeon, so he set out for revenge. Joab met Abner in Hebron and pulled him aside under the pretext of having a private conversation. When they were alone, Joab stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him (2 Samuel 3:27). David was grieved at the news of Abner’s death and pronounced a curse on Joab (2 Samuel 3:28–29). After Ish-Bosheth was assassinated, David meted out justice against the assassins in Hebron; in this way, David’s integrity became known throughout all Israel (2 Samuel 4). David was eventually declared Israel’s rightful king, and he moved his capital from Hebron to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:1–5). David’s son Absalom made Hebron his headquarters while he plotted to steal his father’s kingdom (2 Samuel 15:7–9). Absalom had spent time cultivating loyalty from Israel’s people, then moved his nefarious plot out from under his father’s eye in Jerusalem. He appointed himself king in Hebron, striking fear in David’s heart (2 Samuel 15:10, 14). David fled as Absalom moved from Hebron to Jerusalem to take control of the capital. He may have wrongly thought that, since it had worked for David to begin his reign in Hebron, it would also work for him. Absalom forgot an important truth: David had been anointed by God to rule Israel; Absalom had not. As significant as Hebron was to his ancestors, a cave full of ancestral bones could not replace that anointing. Absalom’s brief stint as a self-appointed king of Hebron did not lead to future success, and he died in disgrace (2 Samuel 18:9–14). Regardless of city’s or nation’s great history, unless God’s presence and blessing are on it, it holds no power to bless its inhabitants.GotQuestions.org Joshua 14:14 Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the LORD God of Israel fully. because: Jos 14:8,9 1Co 15:58 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See Hebron just north of Simeon in middle of land allotted to Judah (click to enlarge) THE BLESSINGS OF A MAN WHO FULLY FOLLOWS YAHWEH! Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the LORD God of Israel fully ("completely loyal" - GWT; "wholeheartedly followed" - NLT) (male) - To reiterate six times the Bible records the fact that Caleb "wholly (fully) followed the LORD" (Nu 14:24; 32:12; Deut 1:36; Joshua 14:8,9,14). THOUGHT - If we want to experience the blessing of our "Joshua" (Jesus), then we need to diligently pursue wholehearted, full obedience. Then we will inherit the "life" He promises and experience the victory over the "giants" (sins) which His Spirit enables (Ro 8:13+)..