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JOSHUA 13–15

Week 12, Day 1

In the midst of what might seem a rather tedious geography lesson, we are re-introduced to that doughty man of faith, Caleb. As he looks back on the events forty-five years before, he sees the report that was then controversial as nothing other than good sense: “I brought him an honest report” (14:7). When one views life with faith, one sees a logic in the data that another might miss.

His zeal has not been diminished by the years. He has grown old victoriously. “I am still as strong today as I was on the day that Moses sent me” (14:11). So much so that he wants to take on another challenge: Show me the Anakim and their fortified cities “and I shall drive them out, as the LORD said” (14:12). Faith gives a zest for life. For Caleb life has always been a matter of advancing, not retreating.

It seems his daughter Achsah was made of the same stuff. When he gave her to the man who would attack a certain city (it seems Caleb wanted a son-in-law of his own kind!) and Othniel claimed her, Achsah dared to ask for more. What good is land in the Negeb without a spring of water? she asks. So Caleb gave her upper and lower springs—more, I think, than she sought. Himself a person of vigor, he was proud to see his daughter take hold of what life proffered and reach out for still more. And that, too, is the style of faith.

PRAYER: Sometimes I sell you short, O Lord, by selling myself short. Give me a grand zest for life, I pray; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

What significance do you see in the fact that the Levites owned no land and had no inheritance?