Joshua 14

This chapter marks the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. It focuses particularly on Caleb, one of the two faithful spies, who now requests the land promised to him by Moses because of his unwavering faithfulness to God. The chapter reflects themes of inheritance, faithfulness, and reward, as Caleb is given his portion of the land.

Joshua 14:1 (NKJV)
These are the areas which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel distributed as an inheritance to them.

This verse sets the scene for the division of the Promised Land. Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders were responsible for distributing the land among the tribes of Israel. It emphasizes the orderly and divinely appointed process by which the land was allotted to the people, signifying that the distribution was not random but directed by God.

Joshua 14:2 (NKJV)
Their inheritance was by lot, as the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes and the half-tribe.

The use of casting lots was a divinely sanctioned method for determining the boundaries of the tribes’ inheritance. It ensured that the distribution was impartial and guided by God's will, fulfilling the command God had given through Moses for the nine and a half tribes who were to receive their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan River.

Joshua 14:3 (NKJV)
For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe on the other side of the Jordan; but to the Levites he had given no inheritance among them.

This verse reminds the reader that the two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan. The Levites, who served as priests and temple workers, were not given a portion of land as the other tribes were, emphasizing their distinct role within Israel and their dependence on the offerings and tithes from the other tribes.

Joshua 14:4 (NKJV)
For the children of Joseph were two tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim. And they gave no part to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for their livestock and their property.

This verse explains that although Joseph received a double portion through his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, the Levites were still set apart with no designated land inheritance. Instead, they were given cities scattered throughout Israel and common lands for their livestock. This setup underscores the spiritual role of the Levites, who were meant to rely on God's provision through the people rather than land ownership.

Joshua 14:5 (NKJV)
As the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did; and they divided the land.

The verse reaffirms that the Israelites were obedient to the instructions given by the Lord through Moses. They carried out the division of the land exactly as commanded, which shows their faithfulness in following God's directives and completing the conquest of Canaan.

Joshua 14:6 (NKJV)
Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: “You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea.

Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah, reminds Joshua of the promise God had made to him through Moses when they were at Kadesh Barnea. Caleb was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report about the land, trusting God’s power, and now he comes to claim the inheritance promised to him for his faithfulness.

Joshua 14:7 (NKJV)
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 back word to him as it was in my heart.

Caleb recalls that he was 40 years old when he was sent to spy out the land. Unlike the other spies, he brought back a report that reflected his deep trust in God's promises, a report from his heart that showed his faith rather than fear. This verse highlights Caleb's integrity and his steadfast confidence in God’s power.

Joshua 14:8 (NKJV)
Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God.

Caleb contrasts his own faithfulness with the fear and doubt of the other spies, whose negative report caused the Israelites to lose heart and rebel against God. While the others were afraid, Caleb remained completely devoted to following God's direction, a faithfulness that would now be rewarded.

Joshua 14:9 (NKJV)
So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’

Moses promised Caleb that the land he had explored would belong to him and his descendants because of his unwavering faith. This verse confirms that Caleb's faithfulness was recognized and rewarded by God through Moses, and now, many years later, that promise is about to be fulfilled.

Joshua 14:10 (NKJV)
And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old.

Caleb acknowledges that God has preserved his life for 45 years since the promise was made. Even after all those years of wandering in the wilderness, he is now 85 years old and still strong, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word and sustaining Caleb for this moment.

Joshua 14:11 (NKJV)
As yet 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, both for going out and for coming in.

Despite his advanced age, Caleb asserts that his strength has not diminished. He is just as capable of going to battle now as he was when Moses first sent him to spy out the land. This reflects both Caleb’s physical vitality and the sustaining power of God in his life, preparing him to take possession of the land.

Joshua 14:12 (NKJV)
Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.”

Caleb boldly asks for the land promised to him, specifically the mountain region where the Anakim, a race of giants, lived. Despite the strength of the enemy and their fortified cities, Caleb expresses confidence that, with the Lord’s help, he will be able to drive them out, continuing to demonstrate his unwavering faith.

Joshua 14:13 (NKJV)
And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.

Joshua, acknowledging Caleb’s faithfulness and God’s promise, blesses Caleb and grants him Hebron as his inheritance. Hebron, a significant city both historically and spiritually, becomes the reward for Caleb’s lifetime of faith and obedience to God.

Joshua 14:14 (NKJV)
Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.

The verse reiterates that Hebron remained Caleb’s inheritance because of his wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Caleb’s faithfulness sets him apart as an example for future generations, and the city of Hebron becomes a lasting symbol of God’s reward for faith and obedience.

Joshua 14:15 (NKJV)
And the name of Hebron formerly was Kirjath Arba (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim). Then the land had rest from war.

The final verse explains that Hebron was once known as Kirjath Arba, named after the most powerful leader of the Anakim, symbolizing the former strength of the enemy. After Caleb’s conquest, the land found peace and rest from war, fulfilling God’s promise to give the Israelites rest in the Promised Land.