Judges 1:20

And they gaue Hebron vnto Caleb, as Moses saide: and hee expelled thence the three sonnes of Anak. Judges 1:20 (KJV)

This verse is part of the account in the book of Judges that describes the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites after they were led out of Egypt. It specifically focuses on the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. In this verse we learn that the Israelites gave the city of Hebron to Caleb.

To understand the significance of this, we need to look back at the historical context. Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Along with Joshua, Caleb returned with a positive report, expressing faith in God’s promise to give them the land (Numbers 13:30). Caleb’s faith and loyalty to God made him stand out among his peers, and as a result God promised him and his descendants an inheritance in the land of Canaan (Numbers 14:24).

Hebron was a significant city in Canaan, holding both symbolic and strategic importance. It was also known as Kirjath Arba, named after Arba, the father of Anak, who was a great man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15).

The latter part of the verse states that Caleb “expelled thence the three sons of Anak.” The Anakim were a powerful and formidable people who occupied the region around Hebron. They were noted for their tall stature; the biblical text does not directly link them to the Nephilim, and the Bible does not explicitly state that Anak or the Anakim were descendants of the Nephilim.

Caleb, with God’s help, overcame the Anakim and took possession of the city, fulfilling the promise made to him. This verse demonstrates Caleb’s faithfulness, courage, and trust in God’s promises. Despite the challenges posed by the presence of the Anakim, he trusted that God would give him victory over them.

Caleb’s story serves as an inspiration for believers today, reminding us to trust in God’s promises and have faith in His ability to fulfil them.

Additionally, this verse highlights the Israelites’ gradual occupation of the land of Canaan, as commanded by God. The book of Judges goes on to describe the conquests and struggles of various tribes as they sought to possess the territories allotted to them.

In summary, Judges 1:20 recounts how Caleb received Hebron as his inheritance and successfully drove out the three sons of Anak who occupied the city. It emphasizes Caleb’s faith in God’s promises and the Israelites’ ongoing conquest of the Promised Land.