This verse demonstrates that those who trust God’s word receive their rightful inheritance and rejoice in the promises He fulfills.
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). (v.13) This verse recounts the fulfillment of a divine promise made to Caleb, one of the two spies (the other being Joshua) who believed the LORD would grant Israel victory in Canaan. Caleb, historically placed around the mid-15th century BC, was from the tribe of Judah and remained faithful to God’s covenant despite the unbelief of the older generation. As a result, the LORD decreed that he and Joshua would be among the few from their generation to enter and receive an inheritance in the Promised Land. Here, that promise becomes tangible, as Caleb receives Hebron according to God’s command.
Hebron, previously known as Kiriath-arba, was an ancient city located in the Judean highlands about nineteen miles southwest of Jerusalem. It was named after Arba, who is described as the father of Anak, a lineage associated with the formidable Anakim people (Numbers 13:22; Joshua 14:15). This city stood as a significant location for Israel’s patriarchs: centuries earlier, Abraham dwelled near Hebron, and later it became a notable settlement in the tribal territory of Judah. By granting Kiriath-arba to Caleb, the LORD honored his steadfast trust and courage when entering Canaan, even though the land was inhabited by a strong, towering people.
In a broader biblical context, Caleb’s faithful reception of this inheritance foreshadows the reward God gives to all who trust in His promises. Just as Caleb’s portion represented a secure place among God’s covenant people, believers in Jesus receive an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11) that surpasses the physical boundaries of Judean cities. This thread of promise and faith hinges upon obedience, much like the faith and courage that secured Caleb’s hold on Hebron for generations to come.
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Joshua 15:13 meaning
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). (v.13) This verse recounts the fulfillment of a divine promise made to Caleb, one of the two spies (the other being Joshua) who believed the LORD would grant Israel victory in Canaan. Caleb, historically placed around the mid-15th century BC, was from the tribe of Judah and remained faithful to God’s covenant despite the unbelief of the older generation. As a result, the LORD decreed that he and Joshua would be among the few from their generation to enter and receive an inheritance in the Promised Land. Here, that promise becomes tangible, as Caleb receives Hebron according to God’s command.
Hebron, previously known as Kiriath-arba, was an ancient city located in the Judean highlands about nineteen miles southwest of Jerusalem. It was named after Arba, who is described as the father of Anak, a lineage associated with the formidable Anakim people (Numbers 13:22; Joshua 14:15). This city stood as a significant location for Israel’s patriarchs: centuries earlier, Abraham dwelled near Hebron, and later it became a notable settlement in the tribal territory of Judah. By granting Kiriath-arba to Caleb, the LORD honored his steadfast trust and courage when entering Canaan, even though the land was inhabited by a strong, towering people.
In a broader biblical context, Caleb’s faithful reception of this inheritance foreshadows the reward God gives to all who trust in His promises. Just as Caleb’s portion represented a secure place among God’s covenant people, believers in Jesus receive an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11) that surpasses the physical boundaries of Judean cities. This thread of promise and faith hinges upon obedience, much like the faith and courage that secured Caleb’s hold on Hebron for generations to come.