Joshua 15:14

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Joshua 15:14 records a specific act of conquest by Caleb within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, highlighting his unwavering faith and God's faithfulness.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed description of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah after the initial division of the land of Canaan. Specifically, it focuses on Caleb, one of the two faithful spies who decades earlier brought a positive report from Canaan, trusting in God's ability to give Israel the land, despite the presence of formidable inhabitants. Because of his unwavering faith, Caleb was promised the region of Hebron by Moses (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:6-15). This verse details his personal fulfillment of that promise, specifically driving out the three most prominent figures among the Anakim who resided there.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness and Reward: Caleb's act is a powerful testament to his enduring faith in God's promises. Despite his advanced age (85 years old when he requested Hebron, Joshua 14:10), he did not shrink from the challenge of confronting the Anakim, who were known as giants. His success demonstrates that God honors and empowers those who trust Him fully.
  • Conquest and Inheritance: This verse underscores the reality of taking possession of the promised land. While God had given the land to Israel, they were still required to actively engage in driving out the inhabitants. Caleb's action serves as an example for the other tribes to fully occupy their allotted territories.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The "sons of Anak" (Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) represented the most formidable human obstacle to Israel's full possession of Canaan. Their presence had terrified the other ten spies (Numbers 13:33) and led to Israel's forty years of wandering. Caleb's victory over them highlights God's power to overcome even the greatest giants.

Linguistic Insights

The "sons of Anak" refers to the Anakim, a pre-Israelite people group renowned for their immense stature and strength. The name "Anak" itself is believed to mean "neck" or "long-necked," possibly referring to their height. They were considered remnants of an ancient race of giants. Caleb's ability to "drive thence" (expel) these formidable individuals signifies a complete and decisive victory, demonstrating God's empowerment.

Practical Application

Caleb's story in Joshua 15:14 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. Just as Caleb faced literal giants, we often encounter "giants" in our lives—whether they are overwhelming fears, difficult circumstances, persistent temptations, or spiritual opposition. Caleb's example teaches us:

  • Courage Rooted in Faith: We are called to face our challenges with confidence in God's power, not our own.
  • Perseverance: God's promises are true and worth fighting for, even decades after they are given. We must not give up on what God has promised us.
  • Active Possession: While God gives us blessings and promises, we often need to actively step out in faith to claim and live them out in our lives, trusting that He will equip us for the task.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 1:20 (4 votes)

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

  • Judges 1:10 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Joshua 10:37 (2 votes)

    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.