Joshua 14

1 hoc est quod possederunt filii Israhel in terra Chanaan quam dederunt eis Eleazar sacerdos et Iosue filius Nun et principes familiarum per tribus Israhel

2 sorte omnia dividentes sicut praeceperat Dominus in manu Mosi novem tribubus et dimidiae tribui

3 duabus enim tribubus et dimidiae dederat Moses trans Iordanem possessionem absque Levitis qui nihil terrae acceperunt inter fratres suos

4 sed in eorum successerant locum filii Ioseph in duas divisi tribus Manasse et Ephraim nec acceperunt Levitae aliam in terra partem nisi urbes ad habitandum et suburbana earum ad alenda iumenta et pecora sua

5 sicut praecepit Dominus Mosi ita fecerunt filii Israhel et diviserunt terram

6 accesserunt itaque filii Iuda ad Iosue in Galgala locutusque est ad eum Chaleb filius Iepphonne Cenezeus nosti quid locutus sit Dominus ad Mosen hominem Dei de me et te in Cadesbarne

7 quadraginta annorum eram quando me misit Moses famulus Domini de Cadesbarne ut considerarem terram nuntiavique ei quod mihi verum videbatur

8 fratres autem mei qui ascenderant mecum dissolverunt cor populi et nihilominus ego secutus sum Dominum Deum meum

9 iuravitque Moses in die illo dicens terram quam calcavit pes tuus erit possessio tua et filiorum tuorum in aeternum quia secutus es Dominum Deum meum

10 concessit ergo Dominus vitam mihi sicut pollicitus est usque in praesentem diem quadraginta et quinque anni sunt ex quo locutus est Dominus verbum istud ad Mosen quando ambulabat Israhel per solitudinem hodie octoginta quinque annorum sum

11 sic valens ut eo valebam tempore quando ad explorandum missus sum illius in me temporis fortitudo usque hodie perseverat tam ad bellandum quam ad gradiendum

12 da ergo mihi montem istum quem pollicitus est Dominus te quoque audiente in quo Enacim sunt et urbes magnae atque munitae si forte sit Dominus mecum et potuero delere eos sicut promisit mihi

13 benedixitque ei Iosue et tradidit Hebron in possessionem

14 atque ex eo fuit Hebron Chaleb filio Iepphonne Cenezeo usque in praesentem diem quia secutus est Dominum Deum Israhel

15 nomen Hebron antea vocabatur Cariatharbe Adam maximus ibi inter Enacim situs est et terra cessavit a proeliis

Joshua 14 Commentary

Chapter 14

The nine tribes and a half to have their inheritance. (1-5) Caleb obtains Hebron. (6-15)

Verses 1-5 The Israelites must occupy the new conquests. Canaan would have been subdued in vain, if it had not been inhabited. Yet every man might not go and settle where he pleased. God shall choose our inheritance for us. Let us survey our heritage of present mercy, our prospect for the land of promise, eternal in the heavens. Is God any respecter of persons? Is it not better that our place, as to earthly good or sorrow, should be determined by the infinite wisdom of our heavenly Father, than by our own ignorance? Should not those for whom the great mystery of godliness was exhibited, those whose redemption was purchased by Jesus Christ, thankfully refer their earthly concerns to his appointment?

Verses 6-15 Caleb's request is, "Give me this mountain," or Hebron, because it was formerly in God's promise to him, and he would let Israel knows how much he valued the promise. Those who live by faith value that which is given by God's promise, far above what is given by his providence only. It was now in the Anakims' possession, and Caleb would let Israel know how little he feared the enemy, and that he would encourage them to push on their conquests. Caleb answered to his name, which signifies "all heart." Hebron was settled on Caleb and his heirs, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. Happy are we if we follow him. Singular piety shall be crowned with singular favour.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 14

This chapter proceeds to give an account of the countries divided to the children of Israel in the land of Canaan, Jos 14:1-5; but previous to that division relates the claim of Caleb to Hebron, through a promise made unto him by Moses forty five years ago, upon his report of the good land, whither he was sent a spy by him, Jos 14:6-12; and the grant which Joshua made of it to him, with his blessing, Jos 14:13-15.