January 9, 2024

Most of Chapter 15 of Joshua is about dividing the land. However, it includes the story of Caleb clearing his portion of the land of three sons of Anak, who were giants before he took possession of his land. Then, it seems Caleb was getting tired of fighting or maybe as a way to marry off his daughter, Achsah, but he offered her hand in marriage to the warrior who would take out the inhabitants of Debir who dwelled in a portion of his land. It turned out that his nephew, Othniel, was the winner. He must have already been smitten with her; otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered. Maybe they were kissing cousins. Caleb gave them a portion of land, but it didn't have a water source, so Achsah asked her daddy for another portion so they would have water. Girls always seem to get what they want from their daddies; it was no different back then. 

We have a good Father who wants his children to succeed; whether you are a son or a daughter, he wants to give you good things, especially when it comes to food and shelter. The newlywed couple would have had a rough beginning without a water source for their animals, crops, and drinking water, so Caleb gave them what they needed. 

Side note: Achsah asked her daddy reverently by getting off her donkey. She asked for a blessing, and he gave her the upper and lower springs. Notice that he gave her more than she asked because he loved her. Don't forget to go to God when you are in need, but don't act like a spoiled child; be reverent because he is royalty.

And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs. Joshua 15:18-19