Joshua

Joshua 15: God gives Judah its land

Begin in prayer

Before reading the borders of Judah, let us ask God to help us hear His Word with care. He gave Caleb Hebron as He commanded, and our family needs to see His faithfulness and our need for Christ.

I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

Exodus 29:45

Lord God, open our eyes to Your faithfulness as we read about Judah and Caleb. Please show us Christ, whose saving gifts we cannot earn. Make us more like Him in thankfulness. Bless our family as we listen to Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The lot for Judah is described by its borders, and its cities and villages are listed. Caleb receives Hebron according to the LORD's command to Joshua and drives out the three sons of Anak. Othniel takes Kiriath Sepher, and Caleb gives him Achsah as wife. Achsah asks her father for springs, and he gives her the upper springs and the lower springs. Judah cannot drive out the Jebusites, who live with Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

As you read Joshua 15, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gives Judah its land, and Caleb receives Hebron as the LORD commanded.

The lot for Judah is described by its borders, from the border of Edom in the south to the sea (verses 1 to 4). The chapter then lists its cities and villages in the South, the lowland, the hill country and the wilderness (verses 20 to 62). Caleb received Hebron among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua (verse 13). He drove out the three sons of Anak from it (verse 14). Caleb offered his daughter Achsah as wife to the man who took Kiriath Sepher, and his brother Othniel took it (verses 16 and 17). Achsah asked her father for a blessing and for springs of water in the land of the South (verse 19). Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs (verse 19). Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, who lived with Judah at Jerusalem to this day (verse 63).

How does Joshua 15 show us that God gives Judah its land, and Caleb receives Hebron as the LORD commanded?

God gives Judah land with borders and cities.

The lot gave Judah land from the border of Edom in the south to the sea (verses 1 to 4). The chapter lists its cities and villages in the South, the lowland, the hill country and the wilderness (verses 20 to 62). Matthew 1 verses 2 and 3 name Judah in the family line of Jesus.

Caleb receives Hebron as the LORD commanded.

Caleb received Hebron among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua (verse 13). He drove out the three sons of Anak (verse 14). His brother Othniel took Kiriath Sepher and married Caleb's daughter Achsah (verses 15 to 17). Achsah asked her father for a blessing, and he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs (verse 19).

Judah cannot drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem.

The Jebusites lived in Jerusalem (verse 63). The children of Judah could not drive them out (verse 63). The Jebusites lived with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day (verse 63). The text records what Judah could not do, and it does not explain why.

Memorise

He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Yahweh to Joshua

Joshua 15:13

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, why do I need Jesus more than a place to live?

Judah received its borders by lot, and Caleb received Hebron according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua. Judah is named in the family line of Jesus (Matthew 1 verses 2 and 3), the Son of God who came to earth for sinners.

Judah received its land as a gift from God, and forgiveness is a gift too, because no sinner can earn it. Jesus gave His life on the cross for His people. He paid for their sins so fully that no one can add to what He did. Death could not hold Him, and He rose.

So do not try to earn what you can only receive. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus to give it. Forgiveness is waiting for all who trust Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD gave Judah its land and gave Caleb Hebron, and that Jesus came from Judah. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Please thank God for giving Caleb the portion He commanded. Bring our need for Jesus to Him, and invite each child who wants to pray to speak to God.

Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:42

Lord God, thank You for keeping Your word to Caleb. Please help our family value Jesus above everything we own. Please turn each of us from sin to trust Jesus, and teach us to receive Your gifts with thanks. Give us hearts that love to hear Your Word. Amen.