Judges 1:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gave {H5414} Hebron {H2275} unto Caleb {H3612}, as Moses {H4872} said {H1696}: and he expelled {H3423} thence the three {H7969} sons {H1121} of Anak {H6061}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They gave Hevron to Kalev, as Moshe had said to do; and he drove out from there the three sons of 'Anak.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as Moses had promised, Judah gave Hebron to Caleb, who drove out the descendants of the three sons of Anak.

American Standard Version

And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses had spoken: and he drove out thence the three sons of Anak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:20 precisely records the successful culmination of a long-standing divine promise to Caleb, showcasing his unwavering faith and the Lord's steadfast faithfulness in granting him his rightful inheritance in Hebron. This verse definitively confirms Caleb's personal conquest of this strategically vital city and the forceful expulsion of its formidable inhabitants, the three sons of Anak, thereby powerfully reinforcing his exemplary courage and steadfast trust in God's omnipotent power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1 serves as a pivotal transitional chapter, bridging the unified, Joshua-led conquest narratives with the subsequent, often fragmented and disheartening, period of the Judges. In stark contrast to the grand, pan-Israelite campaigns under Joshua, this chapter details individual tribal efforts to secure their divinely allotted territories. Judges 1:20 specifically highlights Caleb, an individual whose unwavering faith and obedience stand out sharply against the backdrop of general failure and compromise that increasingly defines the book of Judges. His decisive success in Hebron, explicitly tied to a promise made by Moses, shines as a beacon of what could have been achieved had Israel maintained its fidelity to God. This verse directly echoes and confirms earlier accounts found in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance Confirmed") and [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Tribal Allotments and Conquests in Judah"), emphasizing the completion of a specific, divinely ordained task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era immediately following Joshua's death marked a critical transition for the nascent Israelite nation. While major Canaanite strongholds had been subdued, much of the Promised Land remained unconquered, with various indigenous peoples still occupying significant territories. Hebron, nestled in the hill country of Judah, was an ancient and strategically crucial city, notoriously inhabited by the Anakim. These "sons of Anak" were renowned as a race of exceptionally large and powerful warriors, whose very presence had previously instilled paralyzing fear in the Israelite spies, leading to a profound crisis of faith among them, as vividly recounted in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Terrifying Report on the Anakim"). Caleb's audacious willingness to confront these formidable adversaries, even at the advanced age of 85 when he requested Hebron in [Joshua 14:10](/joshua/14-10 "Joshua 14:10 - Caleb's Request for Hebron"), powerfully underscores his extraordinary courage and unwavering trust in Yahweh, distinguishing him remarkably from the pervasive fear and disobedience characteristic of his generation.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:20 profoundly encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Deuteronomistic History (comprising Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings). Firstly, it unequivocally underscores **God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises**. Caleb's inheritance of Hebron is a direct and tangible fulfillment of the Lord's solemn oath, conveyed through Moses, to reward Caleb's singular devotion and wholehearted following of God, as detailed in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb"). Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights **Caleb's exemplary faith and tenacious perseverance**. His resolute determination to possess the land, even against fearsome giants, serves as a compelling model of spiritual tenacity and courageous obedience, sharply contrasting with the widespread failure of other tribes to fully dispossess their enemies. Thirdly, the verse intricately touches upon the theme of **conquest and inheritance**, illustrating that truly possessing the Promised Land necessitated continued, active engagement and warfare, even after initial victories. Finally, it triumphantly demonstrates the **overcoming of seemingly insurmountable obstacles** through divine empowerment, as Caleb, by God's enabling grace, successfully expelled the Anakim, who had long symbolized Israel's deepest fears and greatest challenges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** An ancient and profoundly significant city located in the hill country of Judah, approximately 19 miles south of Jerusalem. Its name, derived from the Hebrew root `חֶבֶר` (cheber), possibly signifies "seat of association" or "confederacy." Hebron held immense historical and spiritual weight, being intimately associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who owned a burial plot there (the Cave of Machpelah, as recorded in [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Hebron")). Its strategic location and deep historical resonance made its conquest a monumental achievement, symbolizing the securing of a vital portion of the tribal inheritance.
* **Anak (Hebrew, _ʻÂnâq'_):** Refers to the progenitor of a formidable race of giant-like people, the Anakim, who inhabited various parts of Canaan, with a notable presence in Hebron. Their imposing stature and immense strength were a major source of terror for the Israelite spies, who despairingly described them as Nephilim, leading the Israelites to feel like "grasshoppers" in comparison ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report on the Anakim")). Caleb's successful expulsion of the "three sons of Anak" (specifically Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, as listed in [Joshua 15:14](/joshua/15-14 "Joshua 15:14 - Caleb Drives Out the Anakim")) signifies a victory not merely over physical adversaries, but a profound spiritual triumph over the very fear and doubt that had plagued Israel for generations.
* **Expelled (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of "occupying by driving out previous tenants and possessing in their place." It encompasses the ideas of seizing, robbing, inheriting, and also expelling, impoverishing, or ruining. In Judges 1:20, the use of "expelled" emphasizes Caleb's active and decisive role in dispossessing the Anakim from Hebron. It highlights a forceful, complete removal, underscoring the fulfillment of God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land and secure the inheritance. This action is crucial to the concept of taking full possession of the Promised Land, not merely coexisting within it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said:"** This initial clause powerfully underscores the fulfillment of both a divine promise and a human agreement. The "they" refers to the tribes of Israel, specifically the tribe of Judah, who formally allotted Hebron to Caleb. This act directly honors the solemn pledge made by Moses (and ultimately by God) to Caleb, first recorded in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb's Faithfulness") and subsequently reiterated in [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Moses' Promise to Caleb"). It emphatically highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His word and the recognition of Caleb's singular loyalty and exceptional courage demonstrated during the arduous wilderness wanderings. The phrase "as Moses said" serves as a direct, explicit textual link to the foundational covenant history of Israel.
* **"and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."** This second clause firmly confirms Caleb's personal agency, strength, and decisive success in conquering Hebron. The "three sons of Anak" were the most prominent, fearsome, and symbolic representatives of the Anakim remaining in Hebron. Caleb's forceful expulsion of them is a profound testament to his enduring physical strength, unwavering faith, and, crucially, the Lord's empowering and enabling presence. This act transcends a mere military victory; it is a profound spiritual triumph, demonstrating unequivocally that with God's help, even the most daunting and seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. It powerfully reiterates the account found in [Joshua 15:14](/joshua/15-14 "Joshua 15:14 - Caleb's Conquest of Hebron"), reinforcing the consistency and significance of Caleb's narrative across the historical books.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 1:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and multifaceted meaning. **Fulfillment** is paramount, as the text explicitly states "as Moses said," drawing a direct and undeniable line from a past divine promise to its present, tangible realization. This powerfully emphasizes God's **faithfulness** and the absolute reliability of His covenantal word. The specific mention of "the three sons of Anak" functions as a form of **synecdoche**, where a part (the three sons) represents the whole (the entire formidable race of the Anakim), and by extension, all the daunting and seemingly insurmountable challenges Israel faced. Their expulsion by Caleb signifies potent **symbolism**, where Caleb's individual courage, unwavering faith, and ultimate success stand as a powerful symbol of what Israel *could* achieve through steadfast obedience and radical trust in God, starkly contrasting with the broader narrative of compromise, fear, and failure that pervades the book of Judges. The narrative also utilizes **retrospective foreshadowing**, looking back to the promise given to Caleb decades earlier and demonstrating its successful completion, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of divine sovereignty over historical events and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:20 stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God and the transformative power of unwavering faith in His divine promises. It vividly illustrates that divine promises, though at times experiencing periods of delay, are never forgotten and will ultimately be fulfilled, often through the courageous and obedient actions of faithful individuals. Caleb's story serves as a crucial theological anchor in the often-turbulent and disheartening book of Judges, demonstrating that even amidst widespread apostasy, moral decay, and national failure, God faithfully preserves a remnant of devoted individuals through whom His sovereign purposes continue to advance. His decisive conquest of Hebron is a profound microcosm of the larger divine plan for Israel to fully inherit the Promised Land, highlighting that true possession requires active, faith-filled engagement with the inherent obstacles, rather than passive waiting or fearful retreat. This verse profoundly encourages believers across generations to trust implicitly in God's sovereign plan and to press forward with unwavering faith, even when confronted with "giants" that appear utterly insurmountable in their own strength.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "God's Promise to Caleb's Faithfulness")
* [Joshua 14:12](/joshua/14-12 "Caleb's Request for Hebron and the Anakim")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's inspiring narrative in Judges 1:20 offers a profound and timeless blueprint for contemporary faith and tenacious perseverance. In a world increasingly fraught with challenges, both intensely personal and broadly communal, we are often tempted to shrink back from difficulties, much like the ten spies who succumbed to fear when facing the Anakim. Caleb, however, demonstrates with remarkable clarity that a life lived in radical, unwavering trust in God's promises, even into advanced old age, possesses the power to overcome the most formidable "giants." This verse compellingly calls us to a deep self-examination: are we passively accepting limitations and allowing fear to dictate our spiritual trajectory, or are we actively and courageously pursuing the "inheritance" God has promised us in Christ—which includes profound spiritual growth, decisive victory over sin, and active participation in His kingdom work? Caleb did not merely receive Hebron as a gift; he had to actively "expel" its formidable inhabitants. Similarly, our spiritual inheritance in Christ requires active engagement, courageously confronting the obstacles of doubt, fear, and sin with the divine strength God abundantly provides. His exemplary life reminds us that God's faithfulness and empowering presence are not contingent on our youth, physical strength, or worldly resources, but rather on our unwavering faith and obedient response, empowering us to achieve what seems utterly impossible in our own limited strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (e.g., deeply ingrained fears, persistent obstacles, destructive habits) in your life are currently preventing you from fully possessing the spiritual inheritance God has for you?**
* **How does Caleb's long and patient wait for Hebron (over 40 years from the promise to its fulfillment) resonate with your own experiences of delayed promises or extended seasons of waiting on God?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you being called to exercise Caleb-like courage and tenacious perseverance, trusting implicitly in God's boundless power rather than relying solely on your own perceived limitations?**
* **Beyond passive desire, how can you more actively "expel" the negative influences, spiritual strongholds, or internal resistance that hinder your vibrant walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "sons of Anak" and why was their expulsion significant?**

Answer: The "sons of Anak" (or Anakim) were a legendary race of formidable, giant-like people who inhabited various parts of Canaan, with a particularly strong presence in Hebron. Their imposing stature and immense strength were widely known, instilling profound fear in the Israelite spies, as vividly evidenced by the disheartening report of the ten unfaithful spies in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim"). Their expulsion by Caleb was profoundly significant because it represented a decisive victory over the very symbol of Israel's greatest fears, deepest doubts, and most formidable obstacles. It powerfully demonstrated that with God's enabling help, even the most daunting and seemingly insurmountable adversaries could be overcome, thereby reinforcing the central biblical theme of faith triumphing over paralyzing fear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's conquest of Hebron and the decisive expulsion of the Anakim, while a pivotal historical event within Israel's narrative, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Caleb, serving as a faithful servant and a triumphant conqueror, powerfully foreshadows Christ, the ultimate faithful Son and the victorious King. Just as Caleb received his promised inheritance through unwavering faith and active, courageous conquest, so too does Christ secure the ultimate and eternal inheritance for His people—eternal life, reconciliation with God, and a place in His everlasting kingdom—through His decisive victory over sin, death, and the malevolent powers of darkness. The Anakim, representing formidable enemies and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, find their spiritual parallel in the spiritual forces of evil that hold humanity captive. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not merely "expel" these enemies; He utterly defeated and disarmed them through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, making a public spectacle of them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through saving faith in Him, believers are supernaturally empowered to overcome their own "giants" of sin, fear, and worldly opposition, participating intimately in the victory Christ has already secured for all who believe ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). While Caleb received a temporal land inheritance, Christ grants a spiritual, eternal inheritance to all who believe, a "better country, that is, a heavenly one" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - Longing for a Better Country")) purchased by His precious blood, thereby ensuring that all of God's promises are fully, eternally, and gloriously realized in Him.

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 1:10

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 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Joshua 15:14

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

Numbers 14:24

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Deuteronomy 1:36

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.

Joshua 21:11

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron, in the hill [country] of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Joshua 21:12

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.