Achsah’s request teaches believers that God encourages bold petitions for our most pressing needs.
In “Then she said, ‘Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water.’ So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” (v.19) we witness Achsah, newly married to Othniel (Joshua’s account places these events in the period when Israel had taken possession of Canaan around 1400 BC), appealing to her father Caleb for additional resources. Caleb, who was among the twelve spies sent by Moses (Numbers 13:6), lived during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings (circa 1446-1406 BC) and took part in the conquest of the Promised Land. As a leader from the tribe of Judah, he faithfully stood by Joshua, which led to his obtaining his own inheritance in the land (Joshua 14:13-14). In this verse, his daughter requests both land and water rights—a bold move that reveals her trust in her father’s generosity as well as her desire for long-term provision.
When Achsah asks, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water” (v.19), the request highlights how the Negev (a southern region of ancient Israel marked by a dry climate and sparse rainfall) required a reliable water source to support life. The Negev extends south from just below the mountainous southern Judean region, encompassing arid terrain that would have been difficult to cultivate without springs or wells. By asking for these springs, Achsah demonstrates wisdom and foresight regarding the land she received, understanding that long-term fruitfulness requires more than just physical territory—it also demands resources essential to growth and survival.
Caleb readily responds and “gave her the upper springs and the lower springs” (v.19), indicating not only his affection for his daughter but also his commitment to ensure she thrives. This fathers-and-daughters moment also foreshadows the greater paternal generosity of God, who gives abundant blessings to those who ask in faith (James 1:17). Connecting Achsah’s water request to later biblical themes, it echoes the concept of “living water” that Christ offers in John 4:14, revealing God’s continued desire to quench our spiritual thirst and sustain us in every season.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 15:19 meaning
In “Then she said, ‘Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water.’ So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” (v.19) we witness Achsah, newly married to Othniel (Joshua’s account places these events in the period when Israel had taken possession of Canaan around 1400 BC), appealing to her father Caleb for additional resources. Caleb, who was among the twelve spies sent by Moses (Numbers 13:6), lived during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings (circa 1446-1406 BC) and took part in the conquest of the Promised Land. As a leader from the tribe of Judah, he faithfully stood by Joshua, which led to his obtaining his own inheritance in the land (Joshua 14:13-14). In this verse, his daughter requests both land and water rights—a bold move that reveals her trust in her father’s generosity as well as her desire for long-term provision.
When Achsah asks, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water” (v.19), the request highlights how the Negev (a southern region of ancient Israel marked by a dry climate and sparse rainfall) required a reliable water source to support life. The Negev extends south from just below the mountainous southern Judean region, encompassing arid terrain that would have been difficult to cultivate without springs or wells. By asking for these springs, Achsah demonstrates wisdom and foresight regarding the land she received, understanding that long-term fruitfulness requires more than just physical territory—it also demands resources essential to growth and survival.
Caleb readily responds and “gave her the upper springs and the lower springs” (v.19), indicating not only his affection for his daughter but also his commitment to ensure she thrives. This fathers-and-daughters moment also foreshadows the greater paternal generosity of God, who gives abundant blessings to those who ask in faith (James 1:17). Connecting Achsah’s water request to later biblical themes, it echoes the concept of “living water” that Christ offers in John 4:14, revealing God’s continued desire to quench our spiritual thirst and sustain us in every season.