Joshua 14 begins with the distribution of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the heads of the tribes gathered to cast lots in order to determine the allocation of the territory. Caleb, who was from the tribe of Judah and one of the twelve spies who had explored the land of Canaan forty years earlier, approached Joshua with a request.
Caleb reminded Joshua of the promise made by Moses at Kadesh-barnea, where he and Joshua were the only two spies who had faith in God’s ability to conquer the land. Caleb was now eighty-five years old but still possessed strength and courage to claim his inheritance. He asked Joshua to give him the hill country of Hebron, as the Lord had promised him.
Joshua blessed Caleb and granted him his request. Hebron, which was inhabited by the descendants of Anak, posed a formidable challenge. However, Caleb expressed his confidence in God’s power to help him drive out the inhabitants and take possession of the land. He believed that the Lord would fulfill His promise.
This summary provides an overview of the key events in Joshua 14. To explore the depths of each verse and delve into the context, click the links below: