13 Now he gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah, according to the command of the Lord to Joshua, namely, Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron). 14 Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak: Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the children of Anak.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
Message: Territory for Judah
Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components.
What the Lord is Saying: Well, for some reason I took the time to look at this chapter, verse by verse and see all of the cities that and areas that were named, the territory of Judah.
1 - sons of Judah lot - border of Edom south to Zin
2 - South to lower end of the Salt Sea
3 - further south to ascent of Akrabbim, to Zin, to Hezron
4 - to the brook of Egypt
5 - north border at the mouth of the Jordan
6 - then up to Beth-hoglah, to the stone of Bohan and the son of Rueben
7 - up to Debir, then toward Gilgal, ended at En-rogel
8 - then border up to valley of Ben-hinnom, then to Jerusalem, to the top of the mountain
9 - then curved to spring of water s of Nephtoah, cities of Mount Ephron, then to Baalah
10 - then to Mount Seir, then to slope of Mount Joordan on the north and to Timnah
11 - then to the side of Ekron northward, to Shikeron, to Mount Balaah, to Jabneel, ending at the sea
12 - west border at the Great sea, to coastline - this is the border of the sons of Judah
13 - Now to Caleb the son of Jephunneh, according to command of Joshua
14 - Caleb drove out the 3 sons of Anak: Sheshai, Ahiman, Taliman
15 - then against the inhabitants of Debir (Kiriath-sepher)
16 - "whoever attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher will receive my daughter"
17 - Othmiel, brother of Caleb, captured it and received daughter Achsah
18 - Achsah asked for a field
19 - She asked for a blessing, the land of Negev (South country).
20 - inheritance of tribes of Judah
21 - cities Kahzeel, Eder, Jagur
22 - Kinah, Dimonah, Adabah
23 - Kedresh, Hazor, Ithnan
24 - Ziph, Telem, Bealoth
25 - Hazar-haddattah, Kerioth-hezron
26 - Amam, Sherma, Moladah
27 - Hazar-gaddah, Heshmon, Beth-pelet
28 - Hazaar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah
29 - Baalah, Iim, Ezem
30 - Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah
31 - Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah
32 - Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, Rimmon -- 29 cities with their villages
41 - 16 more cities named
44 - 9 more cities named
46 - several more cities
47 - more cities to coastline
51 - 11 more cities
54 - 9 more cities
57 - 10 more cities
59 - 6 cities
60 - 2 cities
62 - 6 cities
63 - Jebusites lived with sons of Judah at Jerusalem to this day
Just a little over 100 cities are named in this region. Seems kind of amazing. According to Tabletalk, God is in the process of telling Joshua how he is to divide the land. It is to be according to the 12 tribes of Israel. This information, while not very stimulating to us would have been very beneficial to readers a the time. This was information about people's homes and where they are to live. Property lines are always important. Wars have been fought and were fought over these lines. So this specific information, given by Joshua to the people was very important.
This chapter is the most detailed description so far and it is in regards to Judah.
Summary: Joshua describes to Judah boundary lines for property for the clan of the tribe of Judah, providing over 100 cities in this region.
Promise: God cares about the land, sea, air, and creatures that He has made, and the meek - His poeple - will inherit the earth.
Prayer: Lord, God you care about the details of our lives. You specify here details about boundaries and property lines to help people understand how much you care. Thanks for that reminder.
