Yehoshua 14

1 4 And these are that which the Bnei Yisroel inherited in Eretz Kena’an, which Eleazar HaKohen, and Yehoshua ben Nun, and the Roshei Avot of the tribes of the Bnei Yisroel, distributed for nachalah to them.

2 By goral (lot) was their nachalah, just as Hashem commanded by the yad Moshe, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe.

3 For Moshe had given the nachalah of two and a half tribes on the other side of the Yarden; but unto the Levi’im he gave no nachalah among them.

4 For the Bnei Yosef were two tribes, Menasheh and Ephrayim; therefore they gave no chelek unto the Levi’im in HaAretz, except arim (cities) to dwell in, with their open land for their livestock and for their herds.

5 Just as Hashem commanded Moshe, so the Bnei Yisroel did, and they divided HaAretz.

6 Then the Bnei Yehudah came unto Yehoshua in Gilgal; and Kalev ben Yephunneh the Kenezi said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that Hashem said unto Moshe Ish HaElohim concerning me and thee in Kadesh-Barnea.

7 I was forty years old when Moshe Eved Hashem sent me from Kadesh-Barnea to spy out HaAretz; and I brought him back davar just as it was in my lev.

8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the lev of HaAm melt; but I wholly followed after Hashem Elohai.

9 And Moshe swore on that day, saying, Surely HaAretz whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine nachalah, and that of thy banim ad olam, because thou hast wholly followed after Hashem Elohai.[T.N. See Rv 3:15-16]

10 And now, hinei, Hashem hath kept me alive, just as He said, these forty and five shanah, even since Hashem spoke this word unto Moshe, while the Bnei Yisroel wandered in the midbar; and now, hinei, I am this day fourscore and five shanah.

11 As yet I am chazak, as strong this day as I was in the day that Moshe sent me; as my koach was then, even so is my koach now, for milchamah, both to go out, and to come in.

12 Now therefore give me hahar hazeh (this mountain), whereof Hashem spoke in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were gedolot and fortified; but, Hashem with me, I shall be able to drive them out, just as Hashem said.

13 And Yehoshua put a bracha on him, and gave unto Kalev ben Yephunneh Chevron for a nachalah.

14 Chevron therefore became the nachalah of Kalev ben Yephunneh the Kenezi unto this day, because that he wholly followed Hashem Elohei Yisroel.

15 And the shem of Chevron before was Kiryat Arba; which Arba was ha’adam hagedol among the Anakim. And HaAretz had rest from milchamah.

Yehoshua 14 Commentary

Chapter 14

The nine tribes and a half to have their inheritance. (1-5) Caleb obtains Hebron. (6-15)

Verses 1-5 The Israelites must occupy the new conquests. Canaan would have been subdued in vain, if it had not been inhabited. Yet every man might not go and settle where he pleased. God shall choose our inheritance for us. Let us survey our heritage of present mercy, our prospect for the land of promise, eternal in the heavens. Is God any respecter of persons? Is it not better that our place, as to earthly good or sorrow, should be determined by the infinite wisdom of our heavenly Father, than by our own ignorance? Should not those for whom the great mystery of godliness was exhibited, those whose redemption was purchased by Jesus Christ, thankfully refer their earthly concerns to his appointment?

Verses 6-15 Caleb's request is, "Give me this mountain," or Hebron, because it was formerly in God's promise to him, and he would let Israel knows how much he valued the promise. Those who live by faith value that which is given by God's promise, far above what is given by his providence only. It was now in the Anakims' possession, and Caleb would let Israel know how little he feared the enemy, and that he would encourage them to push on their conquests. Caleb answered to his name, which signifies "all heart." Hebron was settled on Caleb and his heirs, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. Happy are we if we follow him. Singular piety shall be crowned with singular favour.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 14

This chapter proceeds to give an account of the countries divided to the children of Israel in the land of Canaan, Jos 14:1-5; but previous to that division relates the claim of Caleb to Hebron, through a promise made unto him by Moses forty five years ago, upon his report of the good land, whither he was sent a spy by him, Jos 14:6-12; and the grant which Joshua made of it to him, with his blessing, Jos 14:13-15.