Josué 15

Josué 15

Calvin - And it appears, that when he held out this rare prize to his fellow-soldiers for taking the city, no small achievement was required. This confirms what formerly seemed to be the case, that it was a dangerous and difficult task which had been assigned him, when he obtained his conditional grant. Accordingly, with the view of urging the bravest to exert themselves, he promises his daughter in marriage as a reward to the valour of the man who should first scale the wall. Stephen Grant - This is not the only occasion in Scripture where a father offered his daughter to the man who would accomplish some notable feat: King Saul offered his daughter to the man who could slay Goliath (1 Sam 17:25; 18:17). There was more to Caleb’s offer than a desire to take the city of Debir. He had, after all, expressed his faith in the Lord and proved that he had the desire and courage to take the city himself. This was an opportunity for him to seek out a suitable husband for his daughter. The nature of the task ensured that the man who would succeed would be a man who trusted in the Lord, as Caleb did, and prove himself to be a worthy husband. Unlike Laban, who reneged on his promise to give Rachel to Jacob after seven years of labour, Caleb kept his word: “And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife” (v. 17). The designation of Othniel has led to some debate as to whether he was Caleb’s younger brother or nephew. The expression, “the son of Kenaz” is equivalent to “the Kenezite” (14:6). It is difficult to be certain as to the relationship between Caleb and Othniel since there are not many other Scriptures which give help on the subject......Whether he was the nephew or brother does not change the significance of his actions in taking Debir and winning the hand of Achsah, Caleb’s daughter. Marrying a niece or cousin was not forbidden by the Law and was perfectly acceptable. He proved himself a worthy husband for Achsah and continued to demonstrate that he was a man of spiritual worth. After the death of Joshua, he was the first man raised up by the Lord to deliver the children of Israel (Jdg 3:9–11), leading them to victory over Chushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. THOUGHT - Concern about a suitable match for his daughter was wise and in keeping with the Caleb’s character. It resulted in the capture of Debir for the tribe of Judah and also demonstrated the fitness of Othniel to marry Achsah. In accordance with the customs of the time, Caleb set an example for any father to follow. Traditions surrounding marriage may vary from place to place. However, in accordance with the practices of the land in which he lives, and in keeping with biblical teaching, a father ought to have a desire that his daughter marry a suitable husband, someone with an interest in the Word of God and the work of God. The means of working this out may differ, but prayer plays an essential role, no matter what the customs of the land may be. (Grant - What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) OTHNIEL'S PRIZE. Joshua 15:16-19. - James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose "Anoint our eyes that we below The walk of faith, not sight, may know; Midst fiercest storms Hope's anchor cast, And still in love our Lord hold fast. Faith! that clings unto the Cross; Hope! that looks beyond the sky; Love! that counts all things but loss, To win the bliss that is on high." —Grosart. Othniel's dare and doing to win the hand of Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, is a beautiful and unique little episode in the taking of the cities of Canaan. It would be perfectly absurd to imagine that an honourable God-following man like Caleb would offer his daughter to any man who might happen to be the first to scramble over the walls of Debir. A man that could smite this fortified city, and take it, could only be the man that could take command of an army and lead them to victory. That worthy man was Othniel, the brother of Caleb. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine." So we are quite warranted to look for doctrine even here, "that the man of God may be furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16). We always accept this statement of the apostle as a divine license to seek spiritual teaching from historical events. I. The Hero Mentioned, or the Character of Christ. The name of Othniel is significant, the "Lion of God," or the "Strength of God." This was no misnomer, for in after years when the children of Israel got into bondage, and cried unto the Lord, He raised up this same Othniel as a deliverer to them (Judges 3:9). Jesus Christ, like Othniel, is the "Strength of God," sent forth as a Deliverer for His people. The Lion of the tribe of Judah. If I speak of strength, lo, He is strong, He travels in the greatness of His strength, and is mighty to save. II. The Task Accomplished, or the Work of Christ (vv. 16, 17). Othniel's mission was to smite and to take, and he finished the work on which he set his heart to do. The taking of Kirjath-sepher would doubtless cause him much effort and agony; but, like the Son of God, he set his face like a flint to go up. The work of Jesus Christ was also to smite and to take. He smote the devil with the weapon of the Word, and spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them (Luke 4:1-12; Col. 2:15), and took the helpless prey from the hand of the mighty, making them prisoners of grace (Luke 11:21, 22; 2 Cor. 1:9, 10). In capturing the citadel of the human heart He has still to smile with the spirit of conviction before He can take it as an habitation for Himself. III. The Reward Offered, or the Bride of Christ. Caleb said, "He that smiteth and taketh it, to him will I give my daughter to wife" (v. 16). It was a battle for a bride. The work of conquering the land was a God-given work; the reward offered in Achsah was a reward of love, reverence, and service. What a suggestive picture of the Church, as the Lamb's wife, the reward given Him by God for His work, and passion, and victory! Purchased at the sacrifice of His own blood. "He loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might present it to Himself" (Eph. 5:25-27). Caleb's daughter was married to him who had fought and conquered for her. This is also our privilege, as sons and daughters have we been given by God to Him, who lived, and loved, and died, and conquered for us (John 17:6). Are we acting the part of a true wife by giving Him the love of our hearts and the service of our lives? It is expected of the wife that "she reverence her husband" (Eph. 5:33). IV. The Dowry Given, or the Christian's Portion. "And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs" (v. 19). She asked for springs of water, and she received them. A spring was a great inheritance in these days. To possess springs in the hills and springs in the valleys was to be the heir of an everlasting source of wealth. These springs are perennial emblems of the believer's portion in Christ. Since we have the honour of being part of the bride of Christ, let us, like Achsah, go in for the springs that are freely given us of God. Springs for the hills and springs for the valleys of our daily life. Every promise of God to us is an unfailing spring of refreshing and comfort. If thou knowest the gift of God, ask of Him, and He will give you a spring of living water that shall be in you, springing up everlastingly (John 4:10-14). It is the delight of the Lamb now to lead us unto these living fountains of water (Rev. 7:17). Every child of God may have his or her dowry of living springs. All is yours, for ye are Christ's. "Covet earnestly the best gifts" (1 Cor. 12:31). In the upper springs we have the promise of supply for all our spiritual need, in the nether springs the promise of supply for all our temporal need. "My God shall supply all your need." "All my springs are in Thee" (Ps. 87:7). GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 And Caleb said, He that smiteth, &c. We cannot think so ill of Caleb, as to suppose that this proposition proceeded either from cowardice or sloth. He did not invite another to achieve a difficult and dangerous exploit because he shrunk from it himself. He had already evinced too much valor to allow of the supposition. But his generous spirit would not permit him to monopolise all the glory of these victories. He would give occasion to some of his younger brethren to signalise their prowess also; and to strengthen the inducement, he makes a proffer of his daughter in marriage to the successful combatant. Such an achievement would be presumptive evidence that the man was worthy of her, and one who was likely to deserve well of his country. So Saul, in like manner, promised his daughter in marriage to him who should kill Goliath, 1 Sam. 17:25. Fathers, in ancient times, appear to have had nearly an absolute power in the disposal of their daughters in marriage, as we learn from the case of Laban, and numerous other instances mentioned in the Scriptures. Caleb, however, could no doubt safely presume upon his daughter’s preference coinciding with his, especially when such recommendations existed as were supposed in the very nature of the case. Deeds of valor have seldom failed, in any age of the world, to prove a powerful passport to the female heart, although it is to be hoped that the force of this attraction will diminish, as the influence of a religion of peace prevails in the world. Joshua 15:17 Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife. Othniel: Jdg 1:12-13 3:9,11 Kenaz: Jos 14:6 Nu 32:12 Achsah: 1Ch 2:49 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CALEB'S DAUGHTER'S FAITH AND BOLDNESS Related Passages: Judges 1:12-13 And Caleb said, “The one who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will even give him my daughter Achsah for a wife.” 13 Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah for a wife. Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife - Othniel is a son of Kenaz, who was Caleb's brother. Othniel means "lion of God," and Kenaz means "hunting" or "a receptacle of strength." Caleb was faithful to his promise, and so he gave his daughter Acsah to Othniel in marriage . This recalls God's promise in Nu 14:24 “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." Here we see his descendant doing just as God had promised. It is notable that Othniel Caleb's nephew later led the Israelites against Mesopotamian oppressors as the first of the judges (Jdg 3:8-11). Clearly the courage of Caleb and his steadfast faith in Jehovah impacted some of the men in the generation succeeding Caleb and Joshua. THOUGHT - Caleb's example of a life of enduring faith and courage was a model to others. This begs the question dear follower of Christ, what about your life? Are you leaving an imprint in the hearts of those who come behind, that they might also fight the good fight of faith because of your example? Listen to Steve Green's poignant vocal Find Us Faithful. Warren Wiersbe offers another insight - Caleb's faith also touched his daughter, for she had the faith to ask her father for a field and then for springs of water to irrigate the land. Caleb's example of faith was more valuable to his family than the property he claimed for them. The older generation must provide for the next generation, not only materially but most of all spiritually. "Senior saints" must be examples of believers and encourage the younger generation to trust the Lord and wholly follow Him. (Be Strong - Joshua: Putting God's Power to Work in Your Life) GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 Othniel, the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it. It was Kenaz, and not Othniel, who was the brother, and, as appears from Jdg. 1:13, the younger brother of Caleb; otherwise the marriage would have been unlawful, or at least of questionable propriety. It is not at all improbable, that Othniel previously entertained an affection for Achsah, so that he could not brook the thought that any one else should do more to win her favor, than he himself would. This prompted him unhesitatingly to take up the gage which Caleb had thrown down. The result proved that he was worthy both of the work and the wages; for he became afterwards a deliverer and a judge in Israel, the first single person who presided in their affairs, after the death of Joshua. ‘It is good for those, who are setting out in the world, to begin betimes with that which is great and good; that, excelling in service when they are young, they may excel in honor when they are old.’ Henry. QUESTION - Who was Othniel? ANSWER - Othniel, the first judge, is first mentioned in Joshua 15:17 as “Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother.” As a nephew of Caleb, Othniel took on the challenge of conquering the city of Debir (or Kiriath Sepher) and driving out the Canaanites there. As the victor, Othniel received the reward of Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, as his wife. Othniel had two sons named Hathath and Meonothai and was from the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:13). Othniel lived in Debir in the land of Judah after this time. Through his wife’s influence, he obtained from his uncle Caleb the upper and lower springs in the land of the Negeb (Joshua 15:19). Othniel is important in biblical history as the first judge listed in the Book of Judges. After eight years of bondage to Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, the people cried out to God for help (Judges 3:9). In response, the LORD “raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died” (Judges 3:9–11). We find in this passage that 1) Othniel was raised up as a judge and leader in Israel, 2) he defeated the king of Mesopotamia, and 3) Othniel and the Israelites lived in peace following this time. Othniel’s leadership spanned a long time, covering approximately 1350—1310 BC. Othniel is the first of 12 judges listed in the Book of Judges. His judgeship covered a transitional period connecting the leaders of the past to the leaders of his time. He was related to Caleb, who had left Egypt as a freed slave and entered the Promised Land as a leader. Important lessons learned from the life of Othniel include the influence of family, the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering a person’s life, and the tremendous value of godly leadership in keeping peace among a community of people. Interestingly, the tomb of “Othniel Ben Kenaz” is believed to be located in Hebron. Preceded by Joshua and followed by Ehud in Israel’s history, Othniel’s important legacy endures still today among the great leaders of Israel.GotQuestions.org Joshua 15:18 It came about that when she came to him, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you want?" KJV Joshua 15:18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? NET Joshua 15:18 One time Acsah came and charmed her father so that she could ask him for some land. When she got down from her donkey, Caleb said to her, "What would you like?" NLT Joshua 15:18 When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What's the matter?" ESV Joshua 15:18 When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she got off her donkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you want?" NIV Joshua 15:18 One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What can I do for you?" she alighted from the donkey,: Ge 24:64 1Sa 25:23 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ACHSAH SEIZES THE MOMENT It came about that when she came to him (? OTHNIEL- see technical note below), she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you want?" - Acsah has learned the lesson of letting her husband take the lead, and she urges him to ask her father for a field. She is the one, however, who gets the opportunity of talking to her dad about it. Caleb must have been , indeed, a very generous and gracious man because his heart concern is for his daughter 's welfare and comfort . "What can I do for you?" I have two daughters when they come to me on a donkey, I know that they want something from me! Caleb also knew the drill for apparently before his daughter even says anything, he asks "What do you want?". TECHNICAL NOTE - NET NOTES - Heb "him." (she came to him) The referent of the pronoun could be Othniel, in which case the translation would be, "she incited him [Othniel] to ask her father for a field." This is problematic, however, for Acsah, not Othniel, makes the request in v. 19. The LXX has "he [Othniel] urged her to ask her father for a field." This appears to be an attempt to reconcile the apparent inconsistency and probably does not reflect the original text. If Caleb is understood as the referent of the pronoun, the problem disappears. For a fuller discussion of the issue, see P. G. Mosca, "Who Seduced Whom? A Note on Joshua 15:18//Judges 1:14, " CBQ 46 (1984): 18-22. This incident is also recorded in Judg 1:14. Stephen Grant - In this little cameo is seen the spirituality of Othniel’s wife; they were perfectly matched. It is an excellent picture of a marriage of equals. How important it is for the husband and wife in a marriage to share spiritual ambition, to have the same desire to enjoy the inheritance they received when they were saved, and to be fruitful in the things of the Lord. Achsah was prepared to act in order to see her ambition realised. She did not wait for her husband to do for her what she could do for herself. (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) Hess notes that "Acsah’s request for the springs is reminiscent of Rebekah’s meeting with Isaac (Gn. 24:61–67) in which she also (1) approaches riding on an animal; (2) descends; (3) makes a request; and (4) receives the desired result from the person whom she approaches. Both accounts involve an inheritance of the blessing that God had promised to Abraham. This is probably the reason for the inclusion of this particular note.”" (Joshua: An Introduction and Commentary) GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 18. As she came unto him. Or, Heb. ‘in her going;’ i. e. in going from her father’s house to live with her husband. She moved him to ask. Gr. ‘she took counsel with him, saying, I will ask.’ Being on the point of leaving the paternal roof, she seized the opportunity, when a parent’s heart would naturally be tender and yielding, to persuade her husband to solicit an additional boon of her father. He readily consented to the request being made, but seems to have preferred that it should come from herself rather than him, as he would do nothing that would appear like taking advantage of Caleb’s favorable disposition towards his son-in-law. Accordingly the petition was made by Achsah, who, in order to manifest more respect and reverence for her father, alighted off the animal on which she rode, and addressed him in the most suppliant posture. On this eastern mode of expressing respect, see ‘Illustrations of Scripture,’ p. 32, 282. James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - OTHNIEL’S PRIZE Joshua 15:16–19 “Anoint our eyes that we below The walk of faith, not sight, may know; Midst fiercest storms Hope’s anchor cast, And still in love our Lord hold fast. Faith! that clings unto the Cross; Hope! that looks beyond the sky; Love! that counts all things but loss, To win the bliss that is on high.”—GROSART. Othniel’s dare and doing to win the hand of Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, is a beautiful and unique little episode in the taking of the cities of Canaan. It would be perfectly absurd to imagine that an honourable God-following man like Caleb would offer his daughter to any man who might happen to be the first to scramble over the walls of Debir. A man that could smite this fortified city, and take it, could only be the man that could take command of an army and lead them to victory. That worthy man was Othniel, the brother of Caleb. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.” So we are quite warranted to look for doctrine even here, “that the man of God may be furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16). We always accept this statement of the apostle as a divine license to seek spiritual teaching from historical events. I. The Hero Mentioned, OR THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST. The name of Othniel is significant, the “Lion of God,” or the “Strength of God.” This was no misnomer, for in after years when the children of Israel got into bondage, and cried unto the Lord, He raised up this same Othniel as a deliverer to them (Judges 3:9). Jesus Christ, like Othniel, is the “Strength of God,” sent forth as a Deliverer for His people. The Lion of the tribe of Judah. If I speak of strength, lo, He is strong, He travels in the greatness of His strength, and is mighty to save. II. The Task Accomplished, OR THE WORK OF CHRIST (vv. 16, 17). Othniel’s mission was to smite and to take, and he finished the work on which he set his heart to do. The taking of Kirjath-sepher would doubtless cause him much effort and agony; but, like the Son of God, he set his face like a flint to go up. The work of Jesus Christ was also to smite and to take. He smote the devil with the weapon of the Word, and spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them (Luke 4:1–12; Col. 2:15), and took the helpless prey from the hand of the mighty, making them prisoners of grace (Luke 11:21, 22; 2 Cor. 1:9, 10). In capturing the citadel of the human heart He has still to smite with the spirit of conviction before He can take it as an habitation for Himself. III. The Reward Offered, OR THE BRIDE OF CHRIST. Caleb said, “He that smiteth and taketh it, to him will I give my daughter to wife” (v. 16). It was a battle for a bride. The work of conquering the land was a God-given work; the reward offered in Achsah was a reward of love, reverence, and service. What a suggestive picture of the Church, as the Lamb’s wife, the reward given Him by God for His work, and passion, and victory! Purchased at the sacrifice of His own blood. “He loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might present it to Himself” (Eph. 5:25–27). Caleb’s daughter was married to him who had fought and conquered for her. This is also our privilege, as sons and daughters have we been given by God to Him, who lived, and loved, and died, and conquered for us (John 17:6). Are we acting the part of a true wife by giving Him the love of our hearts and the service of our lives? It is expected of the wife that “she reverence her husband” (Eph. 5:33). IV. The Dowry Given, OR THE CHRISTIAN’S PORTION. “And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs” (v. 19). She asked for springs of water, and she received them. A spring was a great inheritance in these days. To possess springs in the hills and springs in the valleys was to be the heir of an everlasting source of wealth. These springs are perennial emblems of the believer’s portion in Christ. Since we have the honour of being part of the bride of Christ, let us, like Achsah, go in for the springs that are freely given us of God. Springs for the hills and springs for the valleys of our daily life. Every promise of God to us is an unfailing spring of refreshing and comfort. If thou knowest the gift of God, ask of Him, and He will give you a spring of living water that shall be in you, springing up everlastingly (John 4:10–14). It is the delight of the Lamb now to lead us unto these living fountains of water (Rev. 7:17). Every child of God may have his or her dowry of living springs. All is yours, for ye are Christ’s. “Covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31). In the upper springs we have the promise of supply for all our spiritual need, in the nether springs the promise of supply for all our temporal need. “My God shall supply all your need.” “All my springs are in Thee” (Psa. 87:7). Streams in the Desert - THERE are both upper and nether springs. They are springs, not stagnant pools. There are joys and blessings that flow from above through the hottest summer and the most desert land of sorrow and trial. The lands of Achsah were “south lands,” lying under a burning sun and often parched with burning heat. But from the hills came the unfailing springs, that cooled, refreshed and fertilized all the land. There are springs that flow in the low places of life, in the hard places, in the desert places, in the lone places, in the common places, and no matter what may be our situation, we can always find these upper springs. Abraham found them amid the hills of Canaan. Moses found them among the rocks of Midian. David found them among the ashes of Ziklag when his property was gone, his family captives and his people talked of stoning him, but “David encouraged himself in the Lord.” Habakkuk found them when the fig tree was withered and the fields were brown, but as he drank from them he could sing: “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of my salvation.” Isaiah found them in the awful days of Sennacherib’s invasion, when the mountains seemed hurled into the midst of the sea, but faith could sing: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. God is in the midst of her: she shall not be moved.” The martyrs found them amid the flames, and reformers amid their foes and conflicts, and we can find them all the year if we have the Comforter in our hearts and have learned to say with David: “All my springs are in thee.” How many and how precious these springs, and how much more there is to be possessed of God’s own fulness! —A. B. Simpson. I said: “The desert is so wide!” I said: “The desert is so bare! What springs to quench my thirst are there? Whence shall I from the tempest hide?” I said: “The desert is so lone! Nor gentle voice, nor loving face Will brighten any smallest space.” I paused or ere my moan was done! I heard a flow of hidden springs; Before me palms rose green and fair; The birds were singing; all the air Did shine and stir with angels’ wings! And One said mildly: “Why, indeed, Take over-anxious thought for that The morrow bringeth! See you not The Father knoweth what you need?” —Selected. Joshua 15:19 Then she said, "Give me a blessing (NET - "special present"); since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water." So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. Give me: Jdg 1:14,15 a blessing: Ge 33:11 De 33:7 1Sa 25:27 2Co 9:5 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Judges 1:14-15 Then it came about when she came to him (OTHNIEL), that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. Then she alighted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?” 15 She said to him, “Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. ACHSAH ASKS CALEB FOR A BLESSING OF LAND AND WATER Then she said, "Give me a blessing (berakah; Lxx - eulogia); since you have given (perfect tense) me the land of the Negev, give (perfect tense) me also springs of water." So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs - NLT = "give me another gift." Was she asking for a "wedding gift?" Perhaps. But she was also practical (she was a "Proverb 31:1-31 woman") for she knew she needed water in the Negev region. Negev means something like dry or parched and was located in the southern region of Judah's territory. The size of her marriage gift is uncertain for the region of the Negev is large, extending from the hills south of Hebron to the site of Kadesh-barnea in the south and all arid land. In such an environment it is no surprise Achsah also asked for the springs of water, to which he acquiesced. Caleb was not just a faithful follower of God and a courageous warrior, but also a generous giver. As an aside to see if you are observing the text carefully, what is the "keyword" in this verse? If you did not see it, go back and read the text again and you will see it! I am just trying to get you to hone your skills of inductive Bible study. Cyril