Living by example

The allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah reached southward to the border of Edom, as far south as the wilderness of Zin. The southern boundary began at the south bay of the Dead Sea, ran south of Scorpion Pass into the wilderness of Zin, and then went south of Kadesh-barnea to Hezron. Then it went up to Addar, where it turned toward Karka. From there it passed to Azmon until it finally reached the Brook of Egypt, which it followed to the Mediterranean Sea. This was their southern boundary... The Lord commanded Joshua to assign some of Judah’s territory to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So Caleb was given the town of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), which had been named after Anak’s ancestor. Caleb drove out the three groups of Anakites—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he went to fight against the people living in the town of Debir (formerly called Kiriath-sepher). Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher.” Othniel, the son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel’s wife. Joshua 15:1-4; 13-17 NLT

The detailed description of the inheritance of Judah was painstaking. It is as if you are provided every twist and turn, every dip and rise, every marker and boundaries of this tribe for they were clearly defined. This should not come as a surprise for Judah will become prominent in the future. It will become the most important tribe in the history of Israel. King David and his descendants were from this tribe and ultimately the Lord Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:1). The importance of Judah was prophesied as early as the time of Jacob to which gave a blessing to Judah and included in the prophecy is the establishment of succession of kingly authorities. Though many of the places mentioned were still ruled by Canaanites, but since it was God who authorized the division of the inheritance there is the assurance that the said territories will be in the hands of the Israelites. The prevailing spiritual truth in this account of Judah’s inheritance is the fact that God has a place in His kingdom for every one of His children. Just like Judah, Caleb’s inheritance was significant. Caleb demonstrated an unwavering faith in God. Caleb’s strong faith enabled him to defeat Canaanites and this took place at a very old age. God had proved that He is all-sufficient to those that trust Him. Caleb provided a great example of faith to the next generation. Othniel, Caleb’s son-in-law later became a judge in the land. His leadership was a demonstration of God’s working in the life of a believer who follows God. “But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel...The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge. He went to war against King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram, and the Lord gave Othniel victory over him” (Judges 3:9-10). Caleb valued more the spiritual inheritance that he will leave to his family rather than the property he inherited. As we faithfully follow God, we provide an example to the next generation.

Blessings,