Joshua 14
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1These are the inheritances which the children of Israel took in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed to them, 2by the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded by Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe. 3For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan; but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them. 4For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. They gave no portion to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their livestock and for their property. 5The children of Israel did as Yahweh commanded Moses, and they divided the land. 6Then the children of Judah came near to Joshua in Gilgal. Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know the thing that Yahweh spoke to Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning you in Kadesh Barnea. 7I was forty years old when Moses the servant of Yahweh sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land. I brought him word again as it was in my heart. 8Nevertheless, my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Yahweh my God. 9Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where you walked shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have wholly followed Yahweh my God.’ 10“Now, behold, Yahweh has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that Yahweh spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. Now, behold, I am eighty-five years old, today. 11As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now for war, to go out and to come in. 12Now therefore give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that Yahweh will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Yahweh said.” 13Joshua blessed him; and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed Yahweh, the God of Israel wholeheartedly. 15Now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba, after the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war.
World English Bible (public domain)
“So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.””
Joshua 14:12
Summary
Joshua chapter 14 recounts the distribution of land to the tribes of Israel, focusing on the request made by Caleb, one of the remaining spies from Moses’ era. Caleb boldly approaches Joshua, reminding him of the promise made by God through Moses that he would inherit a specific portion of land because of his faithfulness. He is now eighty-five years old but states that he is still as vigorous as he was in his youth, ready to take on the challenges of claiming his inheritance. This demonstrates Caleb's unwavering faith and tenacity, characteristics that are emphasized throughout the narrative.
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Chapter outline
How Joshua 14 unfolds
Joshua 14:1–2 Distribution of Land
The inheritances in Canaan are detailed, distributed by Eleazar, Joshua, and tribal leaders as commanded by God.
Joshua 14:3–5 Inheritance of the Levites
Moses had given land to two and a half tribes, while the Levites received no land, only cities for dwelling.
Joshua 14:6–9 Caleb's Request
Caleb approaches Joshua, recalling God's promise through Moses that he would inherit land for his faithfulness.
Joshua 14:10–12 Caleb's Strength at Old Age
Caleb, now eighty-five, asserts his continued strength and readiness to claim the promised hill country from formidable foes.
Joshua 14:13–15 Blessing and Inheritance
Joshua blesses Caleb and grants him Hebron, affirming Caleb's wholehearted devotion to God, resulting in the land's lasting significance.
Key verses
Joshua 14:12Caleb's bold request in this verse encapsulates the theme of faithfulness and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Main themes in Joshua 14
Faithfulness to God's promises
This theme surfaces when Caleb recalls God's promise about inheriting the land in verse 9. His declaration serves as a reminder of the commitment God made to him and the Israelites, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to divine promises. The chapter develops this theme by contrasting Caleb's steadfast belief with the doubts of the previous generation, ultimately demonstrating that God's promises remain true for those who hold on to faith.
Courage in adversity
Caleb's request for the hill country inhabited by the Anakim in verse 12 highlights this theme. Despite his age and the challenges, Caleb's courage shines through as he seeks to confront the giants of the land. This demonstrates that true courage is rooted in faith and trust in God's presence.
The importance of inheritance
The chapter centers on the distribution of land, beginning in verse 1 with the inheritances for the tribes. Caleb's plea for his inheritance underscores the significance of land as both a physical and spiritual legacy. It reinforces the idea that God's promises are tied to tangible blessings for His people.
God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word
Caleb's acknowledgment of God's faithfulness in verse 10 reveals how God kept His promise over decades, illustrating His reliability. The chapter develops this theme through Caleb's life, which stands as a testimony to God's unchanging nature and commitment to His word despite the passage of time. This theme culminates in the granting of Hebron, symbolizing that God indeed fulfills His promises to those who trust in Him.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Joshua 14
- Numbers 14This passage connects as it recounts God's promise to Caleb and the consequences of Israel's unbelief.
- Numbers 13This background develops the context of Caleb's original scouting mission and the report he delivered.
- Joshua 1This later development reinforces the theme of inheritance as Joshua leads Israel to claim the promised land.
- Psalm 51This echoes the theme of faithfulness, as Caleb's unwavering trust in God parallels the psalmist's plea for renewal.
- Joshua 15This connects as it continues the narrative of land distribution, showing the fulfillment of Caleb's inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 34This passage develops the narrative by providing background on Moses' leadership and the transition of authority to Joshua.
Study questions
Questions for studying Joshua 14
- Who distributed the inheritances in Canaan?
- What promise did Caleb remind Joshua of?
- How old was Caleb when he approached Joshua?
- What obstacles did Caleb mention regarding his inheritance?
- Why did Joshua bless Caleb with Hebron?
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