Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

And unto Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312} he gave {H5414} a part {H2506} among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, according {H413} to the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} to Joshua {H3091}, even the city {H7151} of Arba {H704}{H7153} the father {H1} of Anak {H6061}, which city is Hebron {H2275}.

To Kalev the son of Y'funeh he gave a portion with the descendants of Y'hudah, as ADONAI had ordered Y'hoshua, namely, Kiryat-Arba (Arba was the father of the 'Anak), also called Hevron.

According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.)

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Jehovah to Joshua, even Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron).

Commentary

Context of Joshua 15:13

Joshua chapter 15 details the specific territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah as the Israelites began to settle the Promised Land. Amidst the geographical descriptions of boundaries and cities, verse 13 highlights a special allocation given to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. This was not a general tribal inheritance but a direct, personal grant within Judah's territory. This act fulfills a long-standing divine promise made to Caleb because of his unwavering faithfulness. Hebron, the city mentioned, was a historically significant location, known for its ancient patriarchs and, at the time of conquest, its formidable inhabitants, the Anakim.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faithfulness Rewarded: The verse powerfully illustrates God's commitment to rewarding those who demonstrate steadfast faith. Caleb was one of only two spies (the other being Joshua) who brought back a positive report from Canaan, trusting in God's ability to deliver the land, even when faced with giants (Numbers 14:24). His inheritance of Hebron, a challenging stronghold, was a direct result of his courage and loyalty.
  • Divine Promise Fulfilled: The allocation of Hebron to Caleb was "according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua." This emphasizes that God's promises, once made, are always fulfilled, even decades later. The promise to Caleb was made during the wilderness wanderings (Joshua 14:9).
  • Conquest and Possession: Hebron was originally inhabited by the Anakim, a race of formidable giants (Numbers 13:33). Giving this city to Caleb signifies the theme of overcoming great obstacles through God's strength and taking possession of what God has promised.
  • Obedience to God's Command: Joshua's action in granting Hebron to Caleb demonstrates his faithful obedience to God's explicit instructions, underscoring the importance of following divine directives in leadership (Joshua 11:15).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Arba the father of Anak" refers to the giant leader after whom Hebron was originally named Kirjath-Arba (meaning "City of Arba"). This detail highlights the formidable nature of the land and its original inhabitants, emphasizing that Caleb's inheritance was not easily won but required continued faith and effort to fully possess.

Practical Application

Joshua 15:13 reminds believers that God is faithful to His word and that genuine, enduring faith is always honored. Just as Caleb, even in old age, was ready to conquer the "giants" in his promised land, we are called to persevere in faith, trusting that God will enable us to overcome challenges and receive the spiritual inheritance He has prepared for us. It encourages us to boldly claim the promises of God in our lives, knowing that His power is greater than any obstacle.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 14:23 (2 votes)

    Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

  • Numbers 14:24 (2 votes)

    But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

  • Joshua 14:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

  • Joshua 14:15 (2 votes)

    And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

  • Deuteronomy 1:34 (2 votes)

    And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 1:36 (2 votes)

    Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.

  • Numbers 13:30 (2 votes)

    And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.