1 And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.
2 By lot [was] their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and [for] the half tribe.
3 For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.
4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.
5 As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.
6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.
7 Forty years old [was] I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as [it was] in mine heart.
8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.
9 And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.
10 And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while [the children of] Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I [am] this day fourscore and five years old.
11 As yet I [am as] strong this day as [I was] in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength [was] then, even so [is] my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.
12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims [were] there, and [that] the cities [were] great [and] fenced: if so be the LORD [will be] with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.
15 And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
Overview of Joshua Chapter 14
Joshua Chapter 14 marks a significant moment in the narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. This chapter highlights themes of faith, inheritance, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. It centers on Caleb, one of the spies sent to scout the land, as he claims his portion of the Promised Land.
Key Characters
- Caleb son of Jephunneh: A faithful servant of God who demonstrates unwavering faith and courage.
- Joshua son of Nun: The leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses and oversees the distribution of the land.
- The People of Israel: The collective group who are receiving their inheritances in the Promised Land.
Context and Background
Caleb’s request for land is rooted in the history of the Israelite journey from Egypt to Canaan. He was one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land, and unlike the others, he brought back a positive report, trusting in God’s promise. This chapter occurs after the Israelites have conquered much of Canaan and are now distributing the land among the tribes.
Structure of the Chapter
- Introduction of the Land Distribution (Verses 1-5):
The chapter opens with a description of how the land was divided among the tribes of Israel, emphasizing that the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance but were given cities to dwell in.
- Caleb’s Claim (Verses 6-12):
Caleb approaches Joshua to remind him of the promise made by Moses regarding the land of Hebron. He recounts his faithfulness and the promise that he would inherit the land because he followed God wholeheartedly.
- Joshua’s Response (Verses 13-15):
Joshua blesses Caleb and grants him the land of Hebron, acknowledging Caleb’s faith and bravery. The chapter concludes with a note about the land having rest from war.
Thematic Analysis
- Faith and Loyalty:
Caleb’s unwavering faith in God’s promises serves as a model for believers. His insistence on claiming his inheritance illustrates the importance of trusting God despite challenges.
- Inheritance and Legacy:
The distribution of land symbolizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Caleb’s inheritance is not just personal but also a legacy of faith for future generations.
- Leadership and Encouragement:
Joshua’s role in affirming Caleb’s request highlights the importance of supportive leadership. His blessing signifies the recognition of faithfulness in leadership roles.
Significance of Hebron
Hebron, the land claimed by Caleb, holds historical and spiritual significance. It was the burial place of the patriarchs and symbolizes a place of promise and covenant. Caleb’s claim to Hebron reinforces the idea of returning to foundational promises made by God to the ancestors of Israel.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 14 encapsulates key themes of faithfulness, inheritance, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Caleb’s story serves as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to claim the promises that God has made. The chapter not only emphasizes the importance of individual faith but also the collective journey of the Israelite community as they settle into the land God has provided.
