Joshua 15:18

KJV

And it came to pass, as she came [unto him], that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off [her] ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as she came {H935} unto him, that she moved {H5496} him to ask {H7592} of her father {H1} a field {H7704}: and she lighted off {H6795} her ass {H2543}; and Caleb {H3612} said {H559} unto her, What wouldest thou?

Complete Jewish Bible

After becoming his wife, she persuaded him to ask her father to give them a field; when she got off her donkey, Kalev asked her, "What do you want?"

Berean Standard Bible

One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her ass; and Caleb said, What wouldest thou?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:18 narrates a pivotal moment where Achsah, daughter of Caleb, demonstrates remarkable initiative by prompting her husband Othniel to request a field from her father. Her subsequent act of dismounting from her donkey before Caleb underscores the gravity and respect with which she approached her father, leading to his inquiry about her desire. This verse highlights the proactive pursuit of inheritance and the familial dynamics involved in securing provision within the newly settled Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive account of the land distribution to the tribe of Judah, which occupies the entirety of [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"). Following the initial conquest of Canaan, the book of Joshua meticulously details the allocation of territories to the twelve tribes, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Specifically, [Joshua 15:13-19](/joshua/15-13 "Joshua 15:13-19 - Caleb's Inheritance and Achsah's Request") focuses on Caleb's personal inheritance in Hebron, granted to him for his unwavering faithfulness ([Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Faith and Inheritance")). As part of securing his territory, Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever conquers Kiriath-sepher (Debir), a challenge met by Othniel, Caleb’s nephew and later the first judge of Israel ([Joshua 15:16-17](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16-17 - Othniel's Victory and Marriage to Achsah")). Verse 18 then immediately follows Achsah's marriage, describing her strategic move to enhance her family's portion, setting the stage for her direct request for water sources in the subsequent verse ([Joshua 15:19](/joshua/15-19 "Joshua 15:19 - Achsah's Request for Springs")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, land was the fundamental basis of wealth, identity, and security, passed down through patrilineal lines. The division of the land by lot, as commanded by God ([Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")), was a sacred act establishing the tribal and familial inheritances. While women generally did not inherit land if there were male heirs, there were notable exceptions, such as the [daughters of Zelophehad](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Inheritance") ([Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Inheritance")), who successfully petitioned Moses for their father's inheritance. Achsah's actions align with this cultural understanding of land's paramount importance and demonstrate a woman's agency within a patriarchal framework. Her act of dismounting from her donkey before Caleb was a culturally significant gesture, signifying respect, humility, and the seriousness of the matter at hand. It was a common practice to dismount when approaching a superior or elder with an important request, indicating that one was prepared to give full attention and honor.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:18 significantly contributes to several key themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. It underscores the **importance of inheritance and divine provision**, as the Israelites are actively securing the land God promised them, not just passively receiving it. Achsah's **proactive initiative and shrewdness** are prominent, showcasing her foresight in ensuring her family's long-term prosperity beyond the initial dowry. This verse also highlights the **benevolent and responsive nature of familial relationships**, particularly Caleb's openness to his daughter's needs and his willingness to provide generously. Furthermore, Achsah's agency challenges simplistic views of women's roles in ancient Israel, demonstrating that women could be **active participants in securing family well-being and influencing significant decisions**, much like other notable women in Israel's history, such as [Deborah](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah, a Judge of Israel") or [Ruth](/ruth/1 "Ruth 1 - Ruth's Loyalty"). The emphasis on acquiring a "field" reinforces the **agricultural foundation of Israelite society** and the practicalities of settling a new land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **moved him to ask (Hebrew, _suth'_):** The Hebrew verb סוּת (*suth*) is translated as "moved," "incited," or "persuaded." It implies a strong, active, and effective prompting rather than a mere suggestion. Achsah didn't just hint; she actively and successfully influenced Othniel to make the request to Caleb. This word suggests a deliberate and powerful act of persuasion on her part, highlighting her determination and influence.
* **lighted off (Hebrew, _tsanach'_):** The verb צָנַח (*tsanach*) means "to sink down," "to dismount," or "to alight." This seemingly simple action carries significant cultural weight. Dismounting from an animal before addressing someone, especially an elder or superior, was a gesture of respect, humility, and earnestness. It signaled that the person approaching had a matter of considerable importance to discuss and was giving their full attention and honor to the one being addressed. Achsah's dismounting was a non-verbal communication of the seriousness and respect with which she approached her father, setting the tone for her subsequent request.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as she came [unto him]":** This opening phrase sets the scene, indicating a natural progression of events following Achsah's marriage to Othniel. "Unto him" refers to Caleb, her father. It suggests Achsah's deliberate approach to her father, not a casual encounter, but one with purpose.
* **"that she moved him to ask of her father a field":** This clause reveals Achsah's immediate objective: to secure additional land. The "him" refers to Othniel, her new husband. Achsah's initiative is paramount here; she is the driving force behind the request for a field, demonstrating her foresight and practical concern for her new household's prosperity. This shows her active role in the family's economic future.
* **"and she lighted off [her] ass":** This detail, as discussed in the Key Word Analysis, is a crucial non-verbal act. Her dismounting from the donkey is a sign of respect and seriousness. It indicates that she is about to present a matter of significant weight, ensuring Caleb's full attention and conveying the gravity of her intentions.
* **"and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?":** Caleb's direct question is a response to Achsah's actions. Her deliberate approach and respectful gesture have clearly communicated that she has something important to say or request. His question is an invitation for her to articulate her desires, demonstrating his attentiveness and willingness to listen to his daughter.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Joshua 15:18 effectively employs **Characterization** and **Symbolism**. Achsah is characterized as a woman of remarkable **initiative** and **shrewdness**. Her active role in "moving" Othniel to ask for a field, and her subsequent dismounting, paints a picture of a determined individual who understands how to navigate social customs to achieve her goals. This portrayal challenges the stereotype of passive women in ancient narratives, presenting her as an agent of her own and her family's destiny. Caleb, on the other hand, is characterized by his **attentiveness** and **benevolence**, demonstrated by his immediate and open inquiry, "What wouldest thou?" His response sets the stage for his generous provision in the following verse. The act of "lighting off [her] ass" serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of respect, humility, and the gravity of the request. It is a non-verbal cue that elevates the significance of the impending conversation, ensuring Caleb's full and honorable attention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:18, while seemingly a simple domestic transaction, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections within the biblical narrative. It underscores the divine principle of inheritance and God's faithfulness in providing for His people, even through human agency and initiative. Achsah's bold request for a field, and later for springs, reflects a deep understanding of the value of God's promised land as the source of sustenance and blessing. Her proactive approach mirrors a spiritual truth: God often expects us to participate actively in receiving His blessings, to ask, and to seek diligently. This passage also subtly highlights the concept of God's provision being more than just basic needs, but abundant provision that ensures flourishing, as seen in Caleb's willingness to grant more than initially expected.

* [James 4:2](/james/4-2 "James 4:2 - You do not have because you do not ask")
* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Achsah's story in Joshua 15:18 offers a compelling model for believers today. Her initiative and boldness in securing a greater inheritance for her family serve as a powerful reminder that diligence and foresight are virtues in managing the resources and opportunities God provides. We are called not to be passive recipients but active stewards, discerning needs and proactively seeking solutions, whether in our personal lives, families, or communities. Her respectful approach to Caleb, symbolized by dismounting, teaches us the importance of humility and honor when making significant requests, particularly to those in authority or to God Himself. Just as Caleb was attentive to Achsah's needs, we are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of generosity and attentiveness to the needs of others, especially within our families, reflecting the character of our heavenly Father who delights in giving good gifts. This passage ultimately encourages us to be specific, bold, and respectful in our petitions, trusting that God, like Caleb, is a benevolent provider who invites us to ask.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you need to exercise more initiative and foresight, like Achsah?**
* **How does Achsah's respectful approach to Caleb inform how you present your requests, whether to human authorities or to God in prayer?**
* **What does Caleb's willingness to listen and provide teach us about our role in supporting and blessing those around us?**
* **How can you apply the principle of actively seeking and asking for what is needed, trusting in God's provision?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Achsah "moving" Othniel to ask, rather than asking Caleb herself?**

Answer: While the text states Achsah "moved him to ask," it doesn't explicitly forbid her from asking directly, as she does in the very next verse ([Joshua 15:19](/joshua/15-19 "Joshua 15:19 - Achsah's Request for Springs")) for the springs. Her initial prompting of Othniel might reflect a cultural norm where a newly married couple's primary requests for land or property would ideally come from the husband to the father-in-law, establishing the new household's foundation. However, Achsah's subsequent direct request for the springs, which Caleb grants, demonstrates her significant agency and influence. It suggests that while she might have initially preferred Othniel to make the request for the field, perhaps out of respect for his new role as head of household, she was fully capable and willing to speak for herself when necessary. This highlights her shrewdness in navigating social expectations while ultimately ensuring her family's welfare.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:18, with Achsah's proactive pursuit of inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the source and guarantor of our spiritual inheritance. Just as Achsah sought a physical field for her family's prosperity, believers in Christ receive an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance, kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - Our Living Hope and Inheritance")). Achsah's initiative to "move" Othniel to ask for a field foreshadows the New Testament call to "ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" ([Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")). Our access to the Father's abundant provision is not through a human father-in-law but through the intercession of Christ, our great High Priest, who enables us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The material inheritance of the Promised Land, secured by Achsah, points to the far greater spiritual blessings and the "fullness of God" that we are invited to inherit through Christ, who has secured our true and lasting possession in the heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all promises, ensuring that through Him, we lack no good thing ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")).

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.