Judges 1:12

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

And Caleb {H3612} said {H559}, He that smiteth {H5221} Kirjathsepher {H7158}, and taketh {H3920} it, to him will I give {H5414} Achsah {H5915} my daughter {H1323} to wife {H802}.

Kalev said: "To whoever overpowers Kiryat-Sefer and captures it I will give my daughter 'Akhsah as his wife."

And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Commentary

Judges 1:12 presents Caleb's challenging offer during the early stages of Israel's conquest of Canaan, following the death of Joshua. This verse highlights a specific incentive for completing the task of securing the Promised Land.

Context of Judges 1:12

The Book of Judges opens with the tribes of Israel taking on the responsibility of driving out the remaining Canaanites and possessing their allocated territories after the unified leadership of Joshua. While much of the land had been subdued, pockets of resistance remained. Caleb, a prominent figure from the Exodus generation known for his unwavering faith, had already received his inheritance of Hebron (as detailed in Joshua 14:13). In this verse, he extends his zeal for the complete conquest by issuing a public challenge: whoever captures the fortified city of Kirjathsepher will be rewarded with his daughter Achsah in marriage. This demonstrates the continued need for proactive effort in claiming the land promised by God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Valor and Initiative: Caleb's offer is a powerful incentive for courageous action. It underscores the importance of individual and tribal initiative in fulfilling the divine mandate to conquer the land, rather than waiting passively.
  • Divine Mandate and Human Cooperation: While God promised victory and possession of the land, its full realization required human effort, bravery, and obedience. This verse illustrates the partnership between God's promise and human responsibility in achieving His will.
  • Caleb's Enduring Character: This act further solidifies Caleb's reputation as a man of faith, courage, and action. He was not content to merely possess his own portion but actively sought to ensure the complete success of the Israelite endeavor, reflecting the spirit of faithfulness that distinguished him.

Linguistic Insights

The city mentioned, Kirjathsepher (KJV), literally means "city of the book" or "city of the scribe," suggesting it might have been a cultural or administrative center for the Canaanites. It is also referred to as Debir in subsequent verses, which means "sanctuary" or "inner room," possibly indicating a sacred or important location. The dual naming reflects its significance and the transition of control.

Related Scriptures

This same challenge and the subsequent events are also recorded in the Book of Joshua, providing a parallel account in Joshua 15:16. The very next verse, Judges 1:13, reveals that Othniel, Caleb's younger brother (or nephew, depending on interpretation), successfully captures Kirjathsepher and marries Achsah. Othniel later becomes the first judge of Israel, highlighting the significance of this act of valor. Achsah herself shows initiative in Judges 1:14-15 by successfully requesting additional land and springs from her father.

Practical Application

Judges 1:12 encourages believers today to embrace a spirit of initiative and courage in pursuing God's callings and overcoming challenges. Just as Caleb offered a reward for a difficult task, God often honors and blesses those who step out in faith and actively engage in His purposes. It reminds us that possessing our "promised land"—whether it's spiritual growth, overcoming personal obstacles, or fulfilling a ministry—often requires our active participation and boldness, much like Caleb's unwavering commitment to his inheritance. This verse also offers a glimpse into ancient societal customs where valor was highly prized and rewarded.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:16 (3 votes)

    And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

  • Joshua 15:17 (3 votes)

    And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

  • 1 Samuel 17:25 (2 votes)

    And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

  • 1 Samuel 18:23 (1 votes)

    And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you [a] light [thing] to be a king's son in law, seeing that I [am] a poor man, and lightly esteemed?