Joshua 14:12

KJV

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims [were] there, and [that] the cities [were] great [and] fenced: if so be the LORD [will be] with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore give {H5414} me this mountain {H2022}, whereof the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} in that day {H3117}; for thou heardest {H8085} in that day {H3117} how the Anakims {H6062} were there, and that the cities {H5892} were great {H1419} and fenced {H1219}: if so be {H194} the LORD {H3068} will be with {H854} me, then I shall be able to drive them out {H3423}, as the LORD {H3068} said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, give me this hill, the one ADONAI spoke about on that day; for on that day you heard how the 'Anakim were there with great, fortified cities; perhaps ADONAI will be with me, and I will drive them away, as ADONAI said."

Berean Standard Bible

Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore give me this hill-country, whereof Jehovah spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakim were there, and cities great and fortified: it may be that Jehovah will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Jehovah spake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 14:12 captures the remarkable and enduring faith of Caleb, an eighty-five-year-old patriarch, as he boldly claims his promised inheritance in the land of Canaan. Despite the formidable presence of the Anakim giants and their heavily fortified cities in the mountainous region of Hebron, Caleb expresses unwavering confidence in the Lord's continued presence and power to enable him to conquer this challenging territory, fulfilling a divine promise made forty-five years prior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, following the initial conquests under Joshua's leadership. Chapters 13-19 of Joshua detail this allocation process. Specifically, [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance") focuses on the special inheritance granted to Caleb, fulfilling a long-standing promise from God. His request for the most challenging territory, rather than an easier portion, highlights his unique faith and serves as a powerful example immediately preceding the general distribution of land to the other tribes. It sets a tone of courageous faith for the ongoing task of fully possessing the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The request in [Joshua 14:12](/joshua/14-12 "Joshua 14:12 - Caleb's Claim to Hebron") occurs approximately forty-five years after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the initial reconnaissance of Canaan. During that first scouting mission, Caleb, along with Joshua, stood firm in faith against the ten fearful spies who magnified the strength of the inhabitants, particularly the Anakim, a race of formidable giants ([Numbers 13:28](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28 - The Report of the Spies")). As a direct consequence of his unwavering trust, God promised Caleb that he would inherit the land upon which he had trodden ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb") and [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Moses Recounts God's Promise")). The city of Hebron, the specific "mountain" Caleb requests, was not only a strategic stronghold but also held significant historical and cultural importance as the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Burial of Sarah in Hebron")).
* **Key Themes:** Caleb's bold declaration in this verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes. First, it underscores the theme of **unwavering faith** in God's promises, demonstrating a trust that endures across decades and defies overwhelming odds. Caleb's confidence is not in his own strength or youth, but solely in the Lord's ability to fulfill His word. Second, it exemplifies **courage and perseverance**, as an octogenarian chooses the most challenging task rather than resting on past accomplishments. This highlights that God's call and empowerment are not limited by age or perceived physical limitations. Third, the phrase "if so be the LORD will be with me" is critical, emphasizing **divine empowerment** and dependence. Caleb recognizes that success is entirely contingent on God's active presence and power, rather than human might. Finally, the verse illustrates the principle of **inheriting God's promises** through faithfulness, showing that consistent obedience and trust lead to the tangible fulfillment of divine covenant blessings, even if delayed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mountain (Hebrew, הַהַר, _ha-har_):** In this context, "mountain" refers specifically to the hill country of Hebron, a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. Mountains often symbolized formidable obstacles and strongholds in ancient warfare. Caleb's request for "this mountain" is not for an easy inheritance but for the most challenging, indicating his extraordinary faith and desire to confront the very heart of the Anakim's power.
* **Anakims (Hebrew, הָעֲנָקִים, _ha-ʿĂnāqîm_):** Descendants of Anak, these were a race of giants, renowned for their imposing stature and strength. Their presence was the primary reason the ten unfaithful spies instilled fear in the Israelite camp, leading to forty years of wilderness wandering ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Giants in the Land")). Caleb's specific mention of them highlights the magnitude of the challenge he is willing to face, directly confronting the source of Israel's past fear and failure.
* **Drive them out (Hebrew, וְהוֹרַשְׁתִּים, _wəhôraštîm_):** This verb, from the root ירשׁ (yarash), means "to take possession of," "to dispossess," or "to drive out." It implies a complete and forceful removal of the current inhabitants, signifying total conquest and permanent occupation. Caleb's use of this strong verb underscores his conviction that, with God's help, he will achieve a decisive victory, not merely a temporary skirmish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day;"**: Caleb, having reminded Joshua of God's specific promise to him forty-five years prior, now makes his direct claim. The "mountain" refers to the region of Hebron, which was known to be inhabited by the Anakim. Caleb is not asking for just any land, but precisely the challenging territory that God had promised him personally due to his faithfulness. This demonstrates his meticulous remembrance of God's word and his desire for its precise fulfillment.
* **"for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims [were] there, and [that] the cities [were] great [and] fenced:"**: Caleb explicitly acknowledges the formidable nature of the challenge. He reminds Joshua that both of them were aware of the Anakim's presence and the strength of their fortified cities from their initial scouting mission. This is not a request born of ignorance or naivete, but a deliberate choice to confront the greatest obstacles, fully aware of their difficulty, yet undeterred by them. It highlights the contrast between Caleb's faith and the fear that gripped the rest of Israel.
* **"if so be the LORD [will be] with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said."**: This concluding clause is the linchpin of Caleb's faith. The phrase "if so be the LORD will be with me" is not an expression of doubt, but rather a statement of absolute dependence and confidence in God's presence and power. It acknowledges that his ability to "drive them out" is not based on his own strength or age, but entirely on the Lord's active participation and empowerment. The final phrase, "as the LORD said," reaffirms his unwavering belief in the divine promise and its ultimate fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 14:12 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey Caleb's profound faith and courage. **Contrast** is central, as Caleb's bold request for the most challenging territory stands in stark opposition to the fear and unbelief of the other ten spies who, forty-five years earlier, recoiled from the very giants Caleb now seeks to dispossess. This highlights Caleb's unique spiritual fortitude. **Repetition** of the phrase "in that day" emphasizes the longevity of God's promise and Caleb's enduring memory and trust in it, spanning nearly half a century. The "mountain" itself functions as **symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but also the formidable challenges and obstacles that faith is called to overcome. Furthermore, there's a subtle **irony** in an eighty-five-year-old man volunteering for the toughest fight, subverting expectations of age and capability, and underscoring that divine empowerment transcends human limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Caleb's unwavering faith in Joshua 14:12 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the transformative power of a life lived in complete dependence on Him. His willingness to confront the Anakim, despite their formidable reputation and his advanced age, illustrates that true spiritual strength is not found in human might but in divine presence. This passage underscores that God honors persistent faith, even when circumstances seem impossible, and that His faithfulness empowers believers to overcome obstacles that would otherwise be insurmountable. Caleb's example calls believers to embrace God's promises with courageous obedience, trusting that His presence guarantees victory over spiritual "giants" and enables the full inheritance of His blessings.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "God's Promise to Caleb")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Faith is Essential")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Strength in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's story in Joshua 14:12 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the challenges of life today. It reminds us that spiritual vitality and the capacity for God's work are not diminished by age, past failures, or the sheer magnitude of the obstacles before us. Just as Caleb, at 85, still possessed the same spirit and faith he had at 40, we are called to maintain a vibrant trust in God's promises throughout our lives. This means identifying the "mountains" in our own lives—the seemingly insurmountable problems, the deeply ingrained sins, the intimidating challenges—and approaching them not with fear, but with the conviction that "if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out." Our confidence is not in our own strength, but in the unfailing presence and power of God, who enables us to claim the spiritual inheritance and victory He has promised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountain" or "giant" in your life currently feels insurmountable, and how might Caleb's faith inspire you to approach it differently?**
* **How does Caleb's dependence on "the LORD will be with me" challenge any tendency you might have to rely on your own strength or resources?**
* **In what areas of your life have you seen God's promises fulfilled, and how can remembering those past fulfillments strengthen your faith for future challenges?**
* **How does Caleb's perseverance over 45 years encourage you to remain faithful in long-term spiritual battles or pursuits?**

### FAQ

**Why did Caleb specifically ask for the mountain of Hebron, knowing it was inhabited by giants?**

Answer: Caleb's request for Hebron was a deliberate act of profound faith and a direct claim on a specific promise God had made to him. Forty-five years earlier, when the other spies instilled fear by focusing on the Anakim giants in Hebron, Caleb and Joshua alone declared that Israel could overcome them because God was with them ([Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28-33 - The Spies' Report") and [Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faith")). As a reward for his unwavering faith, God promised Caleb that he would inherit the very land upon which he had trodden ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb")). By requesting Hebron, Caleb was not only claiming his promised inheritance but also demonstrating his continued trust in God's power to conquer the most formidable obstacles, directly confronting the source of Israel's past fear and unbelief.

**What is the significance of Caleb being 85 years old when he makes this request?**

Answer: Caleb's age of 85 is highly significant. It underscores that his strength and courage were supernaturally sustained by God, not diminished by the passage of time. He states, "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in" ([Joshua 14:11](/joshua/14-11 "Joshua 14:11 - Caleb's Enduring Strength")). This highlights that spiritual vitality and God's empowering presence are not limited by physical age. It serves as a powerful example that faithfulness over a long period, even decades, is honored by God, and that His purposes for us can extend throughout our entire lives, regardless of our perceived limitations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's audacious faith in conquering the Anakim-infested mountain of Hebron finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Caleb's confidence that "if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out" foreshadows the ultimate victory achieved not by human might, but by the divine presence of God incarnate. While Caleb conquered physical giants and earthly strongholds, Christ faced and definitively triumphed over the spiritual "giants" of sin, death, and Satan, which held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "mountain" Caleb sought to possess, a place of historical significance and formidable challenge, points to the spiritual inheritance and heavenly places that believers now possess in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people not into a physical land, but into eternal life and victory over all spiritual opposition. Our ability to overcome the "giants" of this world, whether they be fear, temptation, or adversity, is not based on our own strength or age, but solely on the indwelling presence of Christ and His completed work on the cross, enabling us to declare with confidence, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.