Joshua Chapter 14 — Caleb's Inheritance
Joshua and the leaders begin distributing the land of Canaan by lot, and Caleb receives Hebron as a special inheritance for his lifelong faithfulness.
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Notable Verses
Joshua 14:10
““Now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as he spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. Now, behold, I am eighty-five years old, today.”
This verse highlights Caleb's long-term preservation and the fulfillment of God's word over several decades.
Joshua 14:12
“Now therefore give me this hill country, of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as the LORD said.””
It demonstrates Caleb's continued courage and reliance on God's presence even in his old age.
Joshua 14:14
“Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel wholeheartedly.”
It summarizes the reason for Caleb's reward and serves as a testament to the value of wholehearted devotion.
Chapter Summary
Joshua Chapter 14 details the process of allocating land west of the Jordan River to the nine and a half tribes of Israel. The distribution is overseen by Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders using the method of casting lots as commanded by Moses. During this process, Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah, approaches Joshua to claim a specific promise made by Moses forty-five years earlier. Caleb recalls his faithful service as a spy at Kadesh Barnea and notes that, despite being eighty-five years old, he remains as strong as ever. He requests the hill country of Hebron, even though it is inhabited by the formidable Anakim and secured by fortified cities. Recognizing Caleb’s unwavering devotion to the Lord, Joshua blesses him and grants him Hebron. This chapter highlights the transition from conquest to settlement and concludes by noting that the land finally had rest from war.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caleb received Hebron because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly when he was sent as a spy to Kadesh Barnea. Moses had promised him that the land he walked upon would be his inheritance because of his faithfulness and positive report.
Caleb was eighty-five years old when he spoke to Joshua. He mentioned that he was forty years old when Moses first sent him to spy out the land and that forty-five years had passed while Israel walked in the wilderness.
The distribution was led by Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the tribes of Israel. They assigned the land by lot, following the instructions the Lord gave through Moses.
Study Note
The name Hebron was previously known as Kiriath Arba, named after Arba, who was described as the greatest man among the Anakim giants.
Related Chapters
Numbers 13
This chapter records the original mission of the spies, including Caleb, to explore the land of Canaan.
Numbers 14
This chapter describes the Israelites' reaction to the spies' report and Moses' specific promise to Caleb.
Joshua 15
The following chapter continues the detailed description of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah.
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