Judges 1:14

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:14 captures a significant moment in the early settlement of Israel, highlighting Achsah, daughter of Caleb, as she initiates a request for additional land from her father. Upon meeting her new husband, Othniel, Achsah strategically prompts him to ask Caleb for a field. Her subsequent act of dismounting from her donkey before her father underscores her earnestness and respect, prompting Caleb to inquire about her desire, setting the stage for a pivotal interaction regarding their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1:14 is situated immediately after the death of Joshua, marking the beginning of the period of the Judges, where individual tribes are tasked with conquering and settling their allotted territories. The chapter opens with the tribe of Judah, led by Caleb, taking the initiative in this conquest. Specifically, the preceding verses detail Caleb's challenge to conquer Kirjath-sepher (also known as Debir) and his promise of Achsah's hand in marriage to the victor. [Judges 1:13](/judges/1-13 "Judges 1:13 - Othniel Captures Debir") records Othniel's successful capture of the city, fulfilling the condition. Verse 14 then transitions to Achsah's arrival and her proactive steps to secure a further blessing, demonstrating a continuity of action and initiative within Caleb's household following a significant victory. This verse serves as a bridge, leading directly into Caleb's generous response in [Judges 1:15](/judges/1-15 "Judges 1:15 - Caleb Grants Achsah's Request").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Judges represents a transitional era in Israel's history, moving from the unified leadership of Joshua to a more decentralized tribal system. Land acquisition was paramount, as it represented the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and Moses regarding the Promised Land. Inheritance was typically passed down through the male line, making Achsah's direct involvement in securing land somewhat unusual, yet indicative of the agency women could sometimes exert within the patriarchal structure. The act of "lighting from off her ass" (dismounting) was a culturally significant gesture of respect, humility, and earnestness when approaching a superior or elder, particularly a father. It signaled the gravity and importance of the forthcoming request, preparing Caleb for a serious conversation. The geographical setting, near Hebron and Kirjath-sepher (Debir), was part of the mountainous southern territory allotted to Judah, a region where water sources were crucial for agricultural productivity and survival, making the request for "springs" (as revealed in the subsequent verse) highly practical and valuable.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **inheritance and divine promise**, underscoring the ongoing process of Israel's possession of the land promised by God, a promise first given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram"). Secondly, it exemplifies **human initiative and proactive seeking of blessing**. Achsah does not passively accept her situation but actively pursues additional provision, echoing the biblical principle found in [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock"). Thirdly, the interaction between Achsah and Caleb showcases **family dynamics and trust**, portraying a healthy relationship where a daughter can confidently approach her father with a significant request, and he responds with attentiveness and generosity. Finally, it subtly points to **divine provision through human agency**, illustrating how God's blessings often unfold through the diligent and faithful actions of His people, rather than solely through miraculous intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moved (Hebrew, _sûth_):** This verb, often translated as "incited," "persuaded," or "stirred up," carries a strong connotation of active influence. While it can sometimes be used in a negative sense (e.g., inciting to evil), here it clearly denotes a positive and effective persuasion. Achsah didn't merely suggest; she actively and successfully prompted Othniel to take action. This highlights her strategic thinking and her ability to influence her husband toward a beneficial outcome.
* **Lighted (Hebrew, _nāphal_):** Literally meaning "fell" or "fell down," in this context, it signifies dismounting or alighting from her donkey. This action was not merely practical but highly symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern culture, dismounting before someone was a gesture of profound respect, humility, and earnestness. It communicated the seriousness and importance of the encounter, signaling to Caleb that Achsah was approaching him with a matter of great significance and reverence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when she came [to him], that she moved him to ask of her father a field":** This clause reveals Achsah's immediate and strategic action upon arriving at her new home with Othniel. The "him" refers to Othniel, her husband. Achsah, recognizing the value of additional land, does not directly approach her father first but rather prompts Othniel to make the request. This could be due to cultural norms where a husband would typically make such a request, or it could be a strategic move to present a united front, or perhaps a test of Othniel's initiative. Her "moving" or persuading Othniel indicates her clear vision and determination to secure a greater inheritance for their household. The specific request for "a field" underscores the practical need for arable land for sustenance and prosperity.
* **"and she lighted from off [her] ass":** This phrase describes Achsah's physical action of dismounting from her donkey. This was a deliberate and culturally significant gesture. By dismounting, Achsah demonstrated profound respect and humility before her father, Caleb. It was a non-verbal communication that she was approaching him with a serious and important matter, demanding his full attention and indicating her earnestness in what was to follow. It set a reverent tone for their interaction.
* **"and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?":** Caleb's immediate response to Achsah's arrival and her respectful gesture reveals his attentiveness and the nature of their relationship. His direct question, "What wilt thou?" or "What do you want?" indicates his willingness to listen and his openness to her request. It suggests a relationship built on trust and affection, where Achsah felt comfortable and confident in approaching her father with a significant desire, and Caleb was prepared to hear and consider it. This sets the stage for his generous response in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:14 effectively employs **Characterization** to portray both Achsah and Caleb. Achsah is depicted as a woman of initiative, foresight, and determination, not content with merely receiving her husband but actively seeking further blessing for her household. Her strategic persuasion of Othniel and her respectful approach to Caleb highlight her intelligence and agency. Caleb, in turn, is characterized as an attentive, receptive, and benevolent father, whose immediate question signals his loving concern and willingness to provide. The act of "lighting from off her ass" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing reverence, humility, and the gravity of Achsah's impending request. This gesture elevates the interaction beyond a simple conversation, imbuing it with cultural significance and emotional weight. Furthermore, Caleb's question, "What wilt thou?", acts as **Narrative Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for Achsah's specific request and hinting at Caleb's subsequent generosity, which is fully revealed in the very next verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:14 beautifully illustrates the interplay between divine provision and human initiative. While God had promised the land to Israel, its full possession often required the active, courageous, and sometimes strategic efforts of individuals like Achsah. Her desire for a field, and particularly the springs mentioned in the following verse, speaks to the biblical understanding of land as a foundational blessing, providing sustenance, security, and a tangible inheritance that fulfilled God's covenant promises. Achsah's proactive seeking of blessing serves as a model for believers, demonstrating that faith is not passive waiting but often involves diligent effort, wise counsel, and bold, respectful asking. This narrative reminds us that God often works through the ordinary, yet faithful, actions of His people to bring about His purposes and provide for their needs.

* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Luke 11:9-10](/luke/11-9 "Luke 11:9-10 - Persistence in Prayer")
* [Proverbs 16:3](/proverbs/16-3 "Proverbs 16:3 - Commit Your Works to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Achsah's story in Judges 1:14 offers a powerful lesson in discerning needs and proactively pursuing blessings. Her initiative reminds us that while we trust in God's sovereign provision, there is a vital place for our own diligent effort, strategic thinking, and courageous communication. We are called not to passively wait for blessings to fall into our laps, but to identify opportunities, articulate our needs respectfully, and take steps of faith, trusting that God often uses human agency to fulfill His purposes. This account encourages us to cultivate a spirit of active seeking, whether it's for wisdom, resources, or opportunities, and to approach those who can help with both earnestness and respect. It also highlights the beauty of healthy family dynamics, where open communication and mutual trust can lead to significant blessings and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you passively waiting for provision, instead of proactively seeking it?**
* **How can Achsah's strategic initiative inspire you to be more discerning and intentional in pursuing God's blessings for yourself and your family?**
* **What does Achsah's act of dismounting teach us about the importance of humility and respect when making significant requests?**
* **How does Caleb's response encourage you to be more attentive and generous when others approach you with their needs?**

### FAQ
**Was it unusual for a woman in ancient Israel to take such initiative in matters of land inheritance?**

Answer: While land inheritance typically passed through the male line, and women generally did not directly inherit land unless there were no male heirs (as seen in the case of the daughters of Zelophehad in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Daughters of Zelophehad")), Achsah's actions were not entirely unprecedented. Her initiative here demonstrates that women, particularly those from prominent families like Caleb's, could exert significant influence and agency within their social structures. Her approach was strategic: she "moved" her husband Othniel to ask, and then she herself approached her father with a respectful gesture, indicating her earnestness. This shows a culturally astute and determined woman, not necessarily breaking norms, but skillfully navigating them to secure a vital blessing for her household.

**What is the significance of "a field" and the subsequent request for "springs" (in Judges 1:15)?**

Answer: In the arid climate of ancient Israel, especially in the mountainous regions allotted to Judah, water was an invaluable resource. A "field" (sadeh) implies agricultural land, but without a reliable water source, its productivity would be limited. The subsequent request for "springs" (gullot), specifically "upper springs and lower springs," highlights the critical importance of irrigation for sustainable agriculture. This was not merely a desire for more land but for productive, fertile land capable of yielding a livelihood. It underscores Achsah's practical wisdom and foresight, recognizing that the true value of the land lay in its water supply, ensuring the prosperity and security of her family's inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Achsah's proactive seeking of a greater inheritance, particularly the life-giving springs, beautifully foreshadows the believer's pursuit of spiritual inheritance and the living water offered in Christ. Just as Achsah desired tangible sustenance and blessing from her earthly father, so too are believers invited to boldly approach their Heavenly Father, not for physical fields, but for the spiritual riches and abundant life found in Jesus. Christ himself is the ultimate "field" of blessing, the source of all spiritual provision. He declared, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus the Living Water")" and promised that those who believe in Him would have "rivers of living water flow from within them" ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). The inheritance we receive in Christ is far greater than any earthly property; it is an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1_peter/1-4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Achsah's initiative to secure a more fruitful life for her family points to the spiritual initiative we are called to take in seeking Christ, the one who provides eternal springs of grace and truth, fulfilling all the promises of God in Himself ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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.