Joshua 15: Group Study Handout

Overview

The boundaries of Judah's inheritance extend from the Salt Sea to the wilderness of Zin (vv. 1-12). The south border reaches the brook of Egypt, while the east border is the Salt Sea. Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, is given his portion in Hebron, as God commanded Joshua (vv. 13-19). Caleb drives out the Anakim and offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to anyone who captures Kiriath Sepher. Othniel, his nephew, takes it and marries Achsah, who asks for springs of water, which Caleb grants her.

Key verse

“Caleb said, “He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife.”

Joshua 15:16 (WEB)

Outline

1. Joshua 15:1–12 Boundaries of Judah's Inheritance
2. Joshua 15:13–19 Caleb's Inheritance and Faith
3. Joshua 15:20–32 Cities in the Southern Region
4. Joshua 15:33–47 Cities in the Lowland and Coastal Areas
5. Joshua 15:48–61 Cities in the Hill Country
6. Joshua 15:62–63 Remaining Inhabitants

Discussion questions

1. In v13, what name is given to the portion of land given to Caleb?
2. Which three sons of Anak does Caleb drive out in v14?
3. Caleb's offer in v16: what does it indicate about the customs of land ownership and marriage?
4. In v63, why do the children of Judah fail to drive out the Jebusites?
5. When has asking for 'springs of water' like Achsah in v19 led you to unexpected blessings?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joshua 15: Joshua 10, Judges 1, Joshua 18.

Before next time: read Joshua 16.