Joshua 15:13

13 As the Lord commanded Joshua, part of the territory of Judah was given to Caleb son of Jephunneh, from the tribe of Judah. He received Hebron, the city belonging to Arba, father of Anak. ¹

Joshua 15:13 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 15:13

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the
children of Judah
That is, Joshua gave it to him. This account is inserted before the cities in the lot of the tribe of Judah were enumerated, to show what was to be excepted from them, and which had been given to Caleb previous to the lot:

according to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua;
for as he had declared this to Moses, ( Deuteronomy 1:36 ) ; so it seems he also gave the same order to Joshua, who, it is not improbable, might consult the Lord about it when Caleb made his request, ( Joshua 14:12 ) ;

[even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron;
(See Gill on Joshua 14:15).

Joshua 15:13 In-Context

11 The border then went out to the hill north of Ekron, turned toward Shikkeron, past Mount Baalah, and on to Jamnia. It ended at the Mediterranean Sea,

12 which formed the western border. Within these borders lived the people of the families of Judah.

13 As the Lord commanded Joshua, part of the territory of Judah was given to Caleb son of Jephunneh, from the tribe of Judah. He received Hebron, the city belonging to Arba, father of Anak.

14 Caleb drove the descendants of Anak out of the city - the clans of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.

15 From there he went to attack the people living in Debir. (This city used to be called Kiriath Sepher.)

Cross References

• 1. 15.13, 14Judges 1.20.