Joshua 14
-The territories in Canaan apportioned as an inheritance for
the sons of Israel by Eleazar the priest and Joshua begin in this chapter. Lots
were used by the command of the LORD through Moses for these 9 ½ tribes west of
the Jordan River. Thus the land was divided (Joshua 14:1-5). “Then the sons of
Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the
Kenizzite said to him, ‘You know the word which the LORD spoke to Moses the man
of God concerning you and me in Kadesh-barnea. 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 word back to him as it was in my heart. Nevertheless my brethren who
went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the
LORD my God fully (Joshua 14:6-8).’” Moses had sworn to him on that day that he
would surely inherit the land that he had believed for in his treading. Not
only would Caleb possess it, but his children forever because he followed the
LORD his God fully. The realization of this prophecy was now coming to fruition
some 45 years later. God had allowed him to live through the wilderness
wanderings and the victorious battles of conquest in the land. Caleb
confidently asserted that he was, at age 85 now, still as strong and vigorous
to go forward in faith with the LORD into battle. He boldly spoke, “Now then,
give me this hill country about which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard
on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the
LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken (Joshua
14:9-12).” At the hearing of this, Joshua blessed his faithful Israeli brother
and gave him Hebron for an inheritance. Why? The Scripture reiterates again it
was because “he followed the LORD God of Israel fully.” This area had been
called Kiriath-arba after the greatest man among the Anakim, but now it
returned to being known as Hebron as in the days of the Patriarchs (Genesis
13:18). This area indeed had great historical significance for the nation of
Israel (Genesis 23:2-20; 35:27-29; 37:13-14). “Then the land had rest from war
(Joshua 14:13-15).”
-*Application* Following the LORD fully. What does that look
like in our lives today? What would it cost us? What would be God’s rewards?
These are the questions worth considering as we meditate on the life and
character of Caleb, a faithful man of the LORD. He, like Joshua, definitely didn’t
follow the crowd with their fear and negativity so despised by God. Instead, he
entrusted his well-being to a faithful Creator and Sustainer that was easily
capable of working out all of His good promises. Though it took time, over half
his life in fact, Caleb was given the primo inheritance and was in the end able
to rest with an incredible legacy for future generations. These are the things
worth thinking about today.
Verse to Memorize:
Joshua 14:8
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