Joshua 15:19

KJV

Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who answered {H559}, Give {H5414} me a blessing {H1293}; for thou hast given {H5414} me a south {H5045} land {H776}; give {H5414} me also springs {H1543} of water {H4325}. And he gave {H5414} her the upper {H5942} springs {H1543}, and the nether {H8482} springs {H1543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She said to him: "Give me a blessing: since you gave me land in the Negev, also give me sources of water." So Kalev gave her the Upper Springs and the Lower Springs.

Berean Standard Bible

“Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.

American Standard Version

And she said, Give me a blessing; for that thou hast set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:19 recounts the pivotal moment when Achsah, daughter of Caleb, boldly requests and receives essential water sources from her father after being granted a dry "south land" as part of her inheritance. This brief but profound verse highlights the significance of wise and specific petition, the generous provision of a faithful father, and the critical importance of resources for flourishing in the promised land. It serves as a testament to the power of asking and the abundance that can flow from discerning needs and trusting in a benevolent giver.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed account of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, specifically the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"). Following the initial conquest, the focus shifts to the practical distribution of territories, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Verses [Joshua 15:13-17](/joshua/15-13 "Joshua 15:13-17 - Caleb's Inheritance and Othniel's Conquest") detail Caleb's specific inheritance of Hebron and his challenge to conquer Kirjath-Sepher, offering his daughter Achsah as a bride to the victor. Othniel, Caleb's nephew, rises to the challenge, securing both the city and Achsah. Upon receiving her portion of land—a relatively arid region—Achsah, with remarkable initiative, directly approaches her father for a more vital resource, demonstrating an acute understanding of what was truly necessary for the land's productivity and sustainability. Her request and Caleb's immediate fulfillment underscore the personal and familial aspects of the land distribution, moving beyond mere geographical allocation to practical provision for life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of Canaan marked a crucial phase in Israel's history, transitioning from nomadic wandering to settled agricultural life. Land was not merely property but a divine inheritance, central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. The "south land" (Hebrew: *negev*, נֶגֶב) refers to the semi-arid southern region of Judah, characterized by its dry climate and sparse rainfall, making water sources exceptionally valuable. In ancient Near Eastern agrarian societies, access to reliable water was paramount for survival, livestock, and cultivation. Without springs, a land grant in the Negev would be significantly less productive, if not uninhabitable. While ancient Israel was largely a patriarchal society, Achsah's direct and successful petition to her father is noteworthy, indicating a degree of agency and respect afforded to her, perhaps due to her father Caleb's prominent status and her own discerning character. Her request reflects a deep understanding of the practical realities of land stewardship in that specific geographical context.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:19 powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **boldness and specificity in asking**. Achsah does not passively accept her inheritance but identifies a critical need and articulates it clearly and confidently to her father, mirroring the biblical invitation to approach God with specific petitions, as seen in [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock, Find"). Secondly, the passage demonstrates **divine provision working through human channels and initiative**. While God is the ultimate provider of the land and all resources, He often uses human agents and responds to human diligence and prayer. Caleb's generous response reflects God's own character as a benevolent Giver. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **importance of essential resources for flourishing**. Water, especially in an arid region, symbolizes life, fruitfulness, and sustainability. Achsah's wisdom in prioritizing this resource over mere acreage speaks to a deeper understanding of true blessing and effective stewardship, echoing themes of God providing for His people in the wilderness, such as the miraculous provision of water in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock"). Finally, Caleb's **generosity and wisdom** are evident; he not only grants her request but provides both "upper springs" and "nether springs," ensuring comprehensive and abundant water access, reflecting the lavishness of God's blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Negev (Hebrew, _negev'_):** This term, translated "south land," refers specifically to the semi-arid southern region of Judah. It is not merely a directional indicator but a geographical designation for a challenging, often dry, landscape. Its inclusion immediately sets the stage for the practical necessity of Achsah's request, as land in the Negev without water would be of limited value for agriculture and settlement.
* **Gulloth (Hebrew, _gullot'_):** Translated as "springs" in the KJV, the Hebrew word *gulloth* (plural of *gullah*) literally means "bowls" or "basins." This suggests not just trickling streams but significant, contained sources of water, perhaps natural depressions or reservoirs that collected water. The use of this term implies substantial and reliable water sources, making Caleb's gift truly valuable and comprehensive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who answered, Give me a blessing;":** This phrase immediately follows Achsah's dismounting from her donkey, a gesture often associated with making a significant request or plea. Her direct address "Give me a blessing" is not a vague appeal but a clear, assertive petition for something more than what she has already received, indicating a discerning mind and bold spirit.
* **"for thou hast given me a south land;":** Achsah provides a clear rationale for her request. She acknowledges the initial gift of land but subtly points out its inadequacy without the necessary resources. The "south land" (Negev) implies a dry, less fertile region, making her subsequent request for water not a sign of greed but of practical wisdom and a desire for the land to be truly productive.
* **"give me also springs of water.":** This is the heart of her petition—a specific and vital request. She doesn't ask for generic "more," but for the precise resource that will transform her inheritance from a barren plot into a flourishing estate. This highlights the power of specific prayer and the understanding of true needs.
* **"And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.":** Caleb's response is immediate, generous, and complete. The mention of "upper springs" and "nether springs" (or "lower springs") likely indicates multiple, distinct water sources, perhaps at different elevations, ensuring comprehensive irrigation and supply for various needs across the land. This demonstrates Caleb's wisdom, liberality, and deep care for his daughter's well-being and the fruitfulness of her inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:19 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Characterization** is prominent, revealing Achsah as a woman of remarkable foresight, boldness, and initiative, who understands the practicalities of her inheritance and is unafraid to ask for what is truly needed. Caleb is characterized as a wise, generous, and responsive father, whose actions reflect the benevolence of God. The passage also uses **Symbolism**, where "springs of water" in a "south land" symbolize life, fertility, and true blessing in an otherwise arid or challenging existence. The contrast between the dry land and the abundant springs also serves as a form of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the transformation that specific provision can bring. Furthermore, the narrative functions as an **Exemplum**, providing a concrete example of effective petition and gracious response, serving as a model for both human interaction and interaction with the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:19 offers profound theological insights into God's provision and the nature of human petition. It underscores the principle that while God grants the foundational blessings (like the land inheritance to Israel), He also invites and responds to specific, discerning requests for the resources necessary to make those blessings fruitful. Achsah's bold asking, rooted in a practical understanding of her needs, reflects a trust in her father's generosity, which in turn mirrors our call to approach our Heavenly Father with confidence. This narrative reminds us that God desires for His people to flourish, and He often provides abundantly, even beyond what is initially perceived, when we articulate our needs with wisdom and faith. It's a testament to the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where our initiative in prayer and stewardship is met with God's overflowing grace.

* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock, Find")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [James 4:2](/james/4-2 "James 4:2 - You Do Not Have Because You Do Not Ask")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Achsah's story in Joshua 15:19 serves as a powerful encouragement for believers today to cultivate a spirit of bold and specific prayer. Often, we may receive blessings or opportunities (our "south land") but fail to identify or ask for the additional, crucial resources (the "springs of water") needed to make them truly productive and sustainable. This verse challenges us to move beyond vague requests and to discern with wisdom what is truly essential for our spiritual growth, our ministries, and our daily lives. It reminds us that our Heavenly Father is not only willing but eager to give good gifts to His children, often exceeding our expectations, just as Caleb gave both "upper" and "nether" springs. This passage invites us to examine our own timidity in prayer, our assumptions about what we "deserve," and our understanding of God's boundless generosity. It calls us to steward wisely what we have received and to boldly ask for what will enable us to bear more fruit for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you need to be more discerning about your true needs and more bold in your prayers to God?**
* **How does Achsah's example challenge any tendency you might have to passively accept circumstances rather than actively seeking God's provision for flourishing?**
* **What "springs of water" – whether spiritual insight, practical resources, or relational support – might you be overlooking or neglecting to ask for, that would transform your current "south land" into a place of greater fruitfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "south land" (Negev) considered an inadequate gift without the springs?**

Answer: The "south land," or Negev, was a semi-arid region in southern Judah, known for its dry climate and limited rainfall. While it was part of the promised land inheritance, its agricultural and settlement potential was severely limited without reliable water sources. Without springs, the land would be barren, making it difficult to sustain crops, livestock, or even human habitation. Achsah's request for water was not an act of greed but a practical and wise petition for the essential resource that would make her inheritance truly valuable and productive. It transformed a challenging gift into a sustainable blessing.

**What is the significance of Caleb giving Achsah "the upper springs, and the nether springs"?**

Answer: The distinction between "upper springs" and "nether springs" (or "lower springs") indicates a comprehensive and abundant provision of water. It suggests that Caleb gave her not just one source, but multiple, distinct water sources, possibly at different elevations, ensuring irrigation for various parts of the land or for different purposes. This detail emphasizes the completeness and generosity of Caleb's gift, ensuring that Achsah's land would be thoroughly watered and fruitful. It reflects a lavishness in giving that goes beyond mere sufficiency to true abundance.

**Does this story encourage believers to ask for material wealth or possessions?**

Answer: While the story involves a request for a material resource (water), its primary message is about discerning true needs for flourishing and boldly asking for them, trusting in a benevolent provider. Achsah's request was not for luxury or excessive wealth, but for a vital resource necessary for the productivity and sustainability of her inheritance. The "springs of water" were essential for the land to yield fruit and support life. Therefore, this story encourages us to ask God for what is truly necessary for us to fulfill our purpose, steward our gifts, and live a fruitful life, rather than focusing on selfish desires. It highlights the wisdom of asking for resources that enable us to be productive and to bless others, rather than simply accumulating possessions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Achsah's discerning request for "springs of water" in a dry land profoundly foreshadows humanity's spiritual thirst and God's ultimate, abundant provision in Jesus Christ. Just as the Negev was barren without water, so too is the human soul parched and unfruitful apart from the life-giving presence of God. Jesus declares Himself to be the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"), offering eternal satisfaction to all who believe in Him. He promised that from within those who believe in Him would flow [rivers of living water](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"), which [John 7:39](/john/7-39 "John 7:39 - The Spirit Given") clarifies as the Holy Spirit, given after His glorification. Caleb's generous act of providing both "upper springs" and "nether springs" reflects the Father's willingness to give [good gifts to His children](/matthew/7-11 "Matthew 7:11 - God Gives Good Gifts"), culminating in the immeasurable gift of His Son and the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, we receive not just a single, limited source, but an overflowing abundance of grace, truth, and spiritual life, enabling us to be truly fruitful in the "land" of our lives and ministries. He is the ultimate fulfillment of every need, transforming our spiritual deserts into gardens of righteousness.

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 1:14

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

Judges 1:15

And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Genesis 33:11

Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took [it].

1 Samuel 25:27

And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

Deuteronomy 33:7

And this [is the blessing] of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help [to him] from his enemies.

2 Corinthians 9:5

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] covetousness.