Author name: Joshua Robinson

In Joshua 21 we are informed about the casting of lots for certain portions of the land for the Levites. In verses 10-11 we learn that God was going to decide which Levitical family would inherit the cities in the tribe of Judah, and Hebron in particular. We also learn that these children of Aaron were to be apportioned 13 cities amongst the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

It is significant that the first city mentioned was Hebron (v11,13). Why is Hebron being emphasised by position and repetition? One reason is because Caleb had given it up as his inheritance—we have seen evidence for that in previous articles. A second reason is that while the many children of Aaron would be divided amongst the 13 cities, the direct high priestly line probably lived in Hebron.

What did Caleb want out of his life? He wanted an inheritance within the land of Israel, which he knew was not taken by the strength of his hand, or because he deserved it, but because God had promised it and God would conquer. In the last article we explored the impact of Caleb, a spiritual leader within the tribe of Judah. In this article we want to consider the story surrounding Caleb’s personal inheritance that God would give him.

Judah: taking their inheritance
What became of the children of Judah when they went to take their inheritance? At the beginning of Judges we see the tribe of Judah defeating the Canaanites (Jud 1:1-4). In that account we note that there are some parallels with Joshua 15:13-19 where we learn of Caleb’s offer

Previously we have considered the faith of Caleb, his different spirit, and the fact he wholly followed the Lord his God. Caleb is portrayed as a consistent example within the Word of God because he had a different spirit—surely an example for us. He was also an example to the nation of…

We have considered how the 12 spies were chosen and gathered. Yet it is odd that they would even need a spying mission, since God would give them the land. The land had been promised, that was a surety, but still the spies were sent to see it. The parallel account in Deuteronomy 1 is again helpful: