Joshua 15:14

KJV

And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Caleb {H3612} drove {H3423} thence the three {H7969} sons {H1121} of Anak {H6061}, Sheshai {H8344}, and Ahiman {H289}, and Talmai {H8526}, the children {H3211} of Anak {H6061}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kalev expelled from there three descendants of 'Anak - Sheshai, Achiman and Talmai, children of 'Anak.

Berean Standard Bible

And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

American Standard Version

And Caleb drove out thence the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:14 records Caleb's decisive act of conquest within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically his personal expulsion of the three most prominent Anakim—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai—from Hebron. This pivotal moment not only fulfills a divine promise made to Caleb decades earlier due to his unwavering faith but also powerfully exemplifies the necessary active engagement in driving out formidable obstacles to fully possess God's promised inheritance, serving as a model for Israel's complete occupation of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of land distribution to the tribes of Israel, specifically detailing the inheritance of Judah in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Allotment for Judah"). It forms part of a significant digression (encompassing [Joshua 14:6-15:19](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6-15:19 - Caleb's Inheritance and Othniel's Conquest")) that highlights Caleb's personal faith and reward. The account of Caleb's request for Hebron, the very stronghold of the Anakim, is presented in [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Request for Hebron"), immediately preceding this verse. This personal narrative serves as a powerful illustration of individual faithfulness and active participation, setting a precedent and providing an inspiring example for the other tribes as they faced the challenge of fully possessing their own allotted territories.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Anakim were a formidable, indigenous people group of Canaan, widely known for their imposing stature and strength. They were often associated with giants, as attested in [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - Description of the Emim and Anakim") and [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "Deuteronomy 9:2 - Israel's Fear of the Anakim"). Their presence had previously instilled paralyzing fear in ten of the twelve Israelite spies, leading to a faithless report that resulted in forty years of wilderness wandering for the entire generation ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim")). Hebron, originally named Kiriath-Arba, was an ancient, strategically vital city and a primary stronghold for the Anakim. Caleb's conquest of this city and his expulsion of its most dreaded inhabitants was not merely a territorial acquisition; it was a profound symbolic act demonstrating God's power to overcome the most formidable human obstacles and a direct fulfillment of a divine promise made to Caleb for his unwavering faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Faithfulness and Reward:** Caleb's action in [Joshua 15:14](/joshua/15-14 "Joshua 15:14 - Caleb Drives Out the Anakim") powerfully demonstrates the enduring nature of faith in God's promises. His steadfast trust in the Lord, evident since the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faith Rewarded")), remained vibrant even at 85 years old when he claimed Hebron ([Joshua 14:10](/joshua/14-10 "Joshua 14:10 - Caleb's Age and Strength")). Caleb did not shrink from the challenge of confronting the Anakim, and his success underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His empowerment of those who trust Him fully, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** This verse vividly illustrates the active reality of taking possession of the promised land. While God had sovereignly granted the land to Israel, they were still required to actively engage in driving out the inhabitants. Caleb's personal initiative serves as a potent example for the other tribes, highlighting that divine promise often necessitates human obedience, courage, and effort to fully occupy their allotted territories.
* **Overcoming Obstacles:** The "sons of Anak"—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai—represented the most daunting human obstacle to Israel's full possession of Canaan. Their very presence had terrified the previous generation of spies ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim")) and led to Israel's prolonged wandering. Caleb's decisive victory over these renowned figures highlights God's power to overcome even the greatest "giants" and validate His promises of victory through His faithful servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drove (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb signifies a forceful act of occupation, implying the driving out of previous inhabitants to take possession. It carries connotations of seizing, dispossessing, and inheriting. Caleb's action is not merely a skirmish but a decisive expulsion, highlighting the thorough and complete nature of his conquest, which was essential for Israel to fully inherit the land God had promised.
* **Anak (Hebrew, _ʿÂnâq'_):** Refers to a prominent Canaanite figure and, by extension, the ethnic group descended from him, renowned for their immense stature and formidable presence. The name itself may suggest "neck" or "long-necked," emphasizing their height. As a source of terror for the Israelite spies ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report")), their defeat by Caleb powerfully underscores the supernatural empowerment of God's faithful servants over seemingly insurmountable human adversaries.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This term, while literally meaning "son," is used here in a broader sense to denote descendants or prominent members of a family or group. In this context, "sons of Anak" refers to the leading figures or most notable warriors among the Anakim in Hebron. Their specific naming emphasizes their significance and the magnitude of Caleb's achievement in defeating these particular, feared individuals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Caleb drove thence":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Caleb's central role and personal agency in this act of conquest. Despite his advanced age (85 years old at the time of his request for Hebron, [Joshua 14:10](/joshua/14-10 "Joshua 14:10 - Caleb's Strength and Age")), he actively engaged in the battle, demonstrating his unwavering faith and God-given vigor. His action is a direct fulfillment of the promise made to him by God and Moses for his singular faithfulness ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness"); [Joshua 14:6-9](/joshua/14-6-9 "Joshua 14:6-9 - Caleb's Request")).
* **"the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai":** These three individuals are specifically named as the most prominent leaders or representatives of the Anakim residing in Hebron. Their explicit naming adds specificity and highlights the formidable nature of the challenge, as these were not just anonymous giants but specific, well-known figures of terror. Their defeat signifies the complete subjugation of the Anakim in that particular region, underscoring the magnitude of Caleb's achievement and the thoroughness of his conquest.
* **"the children of Anak":** This phrase serves as an appositive, clarifying and reinforcing that Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai were indeed direct descendants or leading members of the Anakim. This repetition underscores their identity as the dreaded giants, further emphasizing the significance of Caleb's victory over such renowned and feared adversaries and the fulfillment of God's promise to empower His people against all opposition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition** by stating "the three sons of Anak" and then clarifying "the children of Anak." This repetition serves to emphasize the identity and formidable nature of the adversaries, underscoring the significance of Caleb's victory over such renowned opponents. The specific naming of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai utilizes **Specificity** to ground the narrative in concrete detail, making the conquest more vivid and impressive. This act of naming also functions as a form of **Trophy Naming**, marking the vanquished foes and celebrating the victor's achievement. Furthermore, Caleb's action serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of faith overcoming fear, as he triumphs over the very kind of giants that had previously paralyzed an entire generation of Israelites with dread, thereby validating God's promises and demonstrating His empowering presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Caleb's conquest of the Anakim in Joshua 15:14 is a profound testament to God's faithfulness and the power of unwavering faith. It illustrates that divine promises, though sometimes delayed, are always fulfilled, and that God empowers His servants to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. This act serves as a microcosm of Israel's larger mission to possess the land, demonstrating that active, faith-filled obedience is required to inherit God's blessings. It underscores the principle that God often works through human agency, equipping those who trust Him to accomplish what seems impossible. Caleb's story is a timeless reminder that God honors steadfast faith and provides the strength to conquer the "giants" in our lives, whether physical or spiritual, enabling us to step fully into His intended inheritance.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Caleb's Faithfulness Rewarded")
* [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6-15 "Caleb's Request and Inheritance of Hebron")
* [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "Description of the Anakim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's story in Joshua 15:14 resonates deeply with believers today, offering powerful encouragement for navigating life's challenges. Just as Caleb faced literal giants in the Anakim, we too encounter "giants" in our spiritual journeys—whether they manifest as overwhelming fears, deeply entrenched sinful habits, seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our callings, or spiritual opposition. Caleb's unwavering faith, even in old age, reminds us that God's promises are timeless and His power is not diminished by our circumstances or perceived limitations. His example calls us to active, persistent faith, to "drive out" the spiritual giants that hinder our full inheritance in Christ, trusting that God will equip and empower us for every battle. It's a call to courageously step into the promises of God, knowing that He fights alongside us and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness, enabling us to live fully into the abundant life He offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (fears, habits, obstacles, spiritual opposition) are you currently facing in your life that seem insurmountable?**
* **How can Caleb's example of unwavering faith, even decades after a promise, encourage you to persevere in your current challenges and trust in God's timing?**
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to "drive out" or actively take possession of what He has promised, rather than passively waiting or succumbing to fear?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Anakim, and why were they so significant?**

Answer: The Anakim were a pre-Israelite people group renowned for their immense stature and formidable strength, often described as giants. They were descendants of Anak, and their presence in Canaan, particularly in strategic strongholds like Hebron, struck fear into the hearts of the Israelite spies (as recounted in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim")). Their significance lies in their representation of the greatest human obstacle to Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. Caleb's victory over them, therefore, symbolizes God's power to enable His people to overcome the most daunting and terrifying challenges, demonstrating that God's promises are greater than any human obstacle.

**Why is Caleb specifically mentioned as driving out the Anakim, rather than the entire tribe of Judah?**

Answer: Caleb is highlighted because Hebron, where the Anakim resided, was his specific inheritance, promised to him by Moses due to his unwavering faith and singular devotion to the Lord (as detailed in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness") and [Joshua 14:6-9](/joshua/14-6-9 "Joshua 14:6-9 - Caleb's Request for Hebron")). His personal conquest demonstrates the direct fulfillment of this divine promise to an individual and serves as a powerful example of individual faith and obedience. While the tribe of Judah would have been involved in the broader conquest, the narrative emphasizes Caleb's personal leadership, resolve, and God-given strength in taking possession of his promised territory, setting a precedent for the rest of Israel to emulate his courageous and faithful actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's conquest of the Anakim in Joshua 15:14 serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over the forces of darkness and sin. Just as the Anakim represented formidable, seemingly unconquerable giants that stood in the way of Israel's physical inheritance, so too do sin, death, and the devil stand as the ultimate "giants" preventing humanity from inheriting eternal life and fellowship with God. Caleb, empowered by God, drove out these physical enemies, securing a physical inheritance in the land. Christ, however, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, utterly defeated the spiritual giants of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). He is the true and greater Caleb, who, through His perfect obedience and atoning work, secured for His people a spiritual inheritance "in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). His victory ensures that believers, though still facing spiritual battles, are already conquerors through Him who loved them ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")), having been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The land inheritance for Israel points to the eternal inheritance secured by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enabling all who believe to enter into His spiritual and eternal rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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.

Cross-References

Judges 1:20

And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

Judges 1:10

And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

Joshua 11:21

And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

Numbers 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

Joshua 10:36

And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, unto Hebron; and they fought against it:

Joshua 10:37

And they took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof, and all the souls that [were] therein; he left none remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon; but destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that [were] therein.