Joshua 15:14
And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak--the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
And Caleb
Caleb, whose name means "faithful" or "devotion" in Hebrew, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his unwavering faith in God. As one of the two faithful spies (along with Joshua) who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan, Caleb's actions here are a testament to his enduring faith and courage. His leadership and determination serve as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's promises, even when faced with daunting challenges.

drove out
The phrase "drove out" indicates a forceful removal or expulsion. In the Hebrew context, this action signifies not just a physical displacement but also a spiritual victory over the forces that opposed God's people. Caleb's success in driving out the inhabitants reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land. It underscores the theme of divine assistance in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength in their battles.

from there
This phrase refers to the specific location of Hebron, a significant city in biblical history. Hebron was not only a strategic military site but also a place of ancestral importance, as it was associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The reclaiming of Hebron by Caleb symbolizes the restoration of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, reinforcing the idea of God's faithfulness across generations.

the three sons of Anak
The mention of "the three sons of Anak" highlights the formidable nature of the adversaries Caleb faced. The Anakim were known as giants, and their presence in the land was a source of fear for the Israelites. By specifying the three sons—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai—the text emphasizes the personal and direct nature of Caleb's victory. This detail serves as a reminder that no enemy is too great when God is on our side, and it encourages believers to confront their fears with faith.

Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai
These names are significant as they represent the specific individuals who were leaders among the Anakim. Each name carries its own meaning and history, contributing to the narrative of conquest and divine intervention. The defeat of these leaders by Caleb is a powerful testament to God's promise being fulfilled through human agency, illustrating the partnership between divine providence and human action.

the descendants of Anak
The Anakim were considered a race of giants, and their lineage was a source of intimidation for the Israelites. The term "descendants of Anak" underscores the continuity of opposition that God's people faced. However, Caleb's victory over them serves as a powerful narrative of overcoming generational strongholds through faith and obedience to God. It reassures believers that no matter how entrenched or intimidating the opposition may seem, God's power is greater and His promises are sure.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caleb
A faithful Israelite leader from the tribe of Judah, known for his unwavering faith in God. He was one of the two spies, along with Joshua, who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan.

2. Sons of Anak
Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai were the descendants of Anak, a race of giants known for their formidable presence and strength. They inhabited the land of Hebron, which Caleb sought to conquer.

3. Hebron
A significant city in the hill country of Judah, known for its historical and spiritual importance. It was the place where Abraham settled and later became a Levitical city of refuge.

4. Anakim
A race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their intimidating stature and strength. They were considered a major obstacle for the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan.

5. Conquest of Canaan
The broader context of this passage is the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land, a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.
Teaching Points
Faith Overcomes Fear
Caleb's actions demonstrate that faith in God's promises can empower us to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

God Rewards Faithfulness
Caleb's inheritance of Hebron is a testament to God's faithfulness in rewarding those who trust and obey Him.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battle against the Anakim symbolizes the spiritual battles believers face, reminding us to rely on God's strength.

Leadership and Courage
Caleb's leadership exemplifies the courage required to lead others in faith, even when facing daunting challenges.

Inheritance Through Obedience
Just as Caleb received his inheritance through obedience, believers are called to live obediently to receive God's promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Caleb's faith in God challenge us to confront our own "giants" or fears in life?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in rewarding those who trust Him, as demonstrated in Caleb's account?

3. How does the account of Caleb and the Anakim encourage us in our spiritual battles today?

4. What qualities of leadership and courage can we learn from Caleb's example, and how can we apply them in our own lives?

5. How does the concept of inheritance through obedience in Caleb's account relate to the New Testament teachings on spiritual inheritance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
These chapters recount the initial report of the spies, including Caleb's faith-filled response and the Israelites' fear of the giants in the land.

Deuteronomy 1:36
Highlights God's promise to Caleb for his faithfulness, ensuring that he would inherit the land he explored.

Judges 1:20
Reiterates Caleb's conquest of Hebron and his driving out of the Anakim, emphasizing his continued faith and leadership.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, another encounter with a giant, which parallels the theme of faith overcoming fear and physical might.
A Chance for AbilityJ. Parker, D. D.Joshua 15:13-19
Noble DiscontentW. Hoyt, D. D.Joshua 15:13-19
Othniel's Conquest of DebirF. G. Marchant.Joshua 15:13-19
The Upper and Nether SpringsJoshua 15:13-19
People
Achsah, Addar, Ahiman, Anak, Anakites, Arba, Ben, Bohan, Cain, Caleb, Dagon, Debir, Dumah, Eder, Eglon, Ephron, Gad, Gedor, Hezron, Hoglah, Jebusites, Jephunneh, Jezreel, Joshua, Kenaz, Maon, Naamah, Othniel, Pelet, Reuben, Seir, Shamir, Shema, Sheshai, Shual, Talmai, Tappuah, Telem, Timnah, Zur
Places
Achzib, Adadah, Addar, Adullam, Adummim, Ain, Akrabbim, Amam, Anab, Anim, Aphekah, Arab, Ashan, Ashdod, Ashnah, Azekah, Baalah, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-anoth, Beth-arabah, Beth-dagan, Beth-hoglah, Beth-pelet, Beth-shemesh, Beth-tappuah, Beth-zur, Biziothiah, Bozkath, Brook of Egypt, Cabbon, Carmel, Chesalon, Chesil, Chitlish, City of Salt, Dannah, Debir, Dilean, Dimonah, Dumah, Eder, Edom, Eglon, Ekron, Eltekon, Eltolad, Enam, En-gannim, Engedi, En-rogel, En-shemesh, Eshan, Eshtaol, Eshtemoh, Ether, Ezem, Gaza, Gederah, Gederoth, Gederothaim, Gedor, Gibeah, Gilgal, Giloh, Great Sea, Hadashah, Halhul, Hazar-gaddah, Hazar-shual, Hazor, Hazor-hadattah, Hebron, Heshmon, Hezron, Holon, Hormah, Humtah, Iim, Iphtah, Ithnan, Jabneel, Jagur, Janim, Jarmuth, Jattir, Jebus, Jerusalem, Jokdeam, Joktheel, Jordan River, Juttah, Kabzeel, Kadesh-barnea, Kain, Keilah, Kerioth-hezron, Kinah, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-baal, Kiriath-jearim, Kiriath-sannah, Kiriath-sepher, Lachish, Lahmam, Lebaoth, Libnah, Maarath, Madmannah, Makkedah, Maon, Mareshah, Middin, Migdal-gad, Mizpeh, Moladah, Mount Baalah, Mount Ephron, Mount Jearim, Mount Seir, Negeb, Nephtoah, Nezib, Nibshan, Rabbah, Rimmon, Salt Sea, Sansannah, Secacah, Shaaraim, Shamir, Shema, Shikkeron, Shilhim, Socoh, Tappuah, Telem, Timnah, Valley of Achor, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Rephaim, Zanoah, Zenan, Ziklag, Zin, Zior, Ziph, Zorah
Topics
Ahiman, Ahi'man, Anak, Anakites, Born, Caleb, Descendants, Dispossessed, Dispossessing, Drove, Forced, Sheshai, She'shai, Sons, Talmai, Thence
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 15:1-63

     5235   boundary
     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Sea of Sodom
The bounds of Judea, on both sides, are the sea; the western bound is the Mediterranean,--the eastern, the Dead sea, or the sea of Sodom. This the Jewish writers every where call, which you may not so properly interpret here, "the salt sea," as "the bituminous sea." In which sense word for word, "Sodom's salt," but properly "Sodom's bitumen," doth very frequently occur among them. The use of it was in the holy incense. They mingled 'bitumen,' 'the amber of Jordan,' and [an herb known to few], with
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the Desert of Judea --Adoption of the Baptism of John.
An extraordinary man, whose position, from the absence of documentary evidence, remains to us in some degree enigmatical, appeared about this time, and was unquestionably to some extent connected with Jesus. This connection tended rather to make the young prophet of Nazareth deviate from his path; but it suggested many important accessories to his religious institution, and, at all events, furnished a very strong authority to his disciples in recommending their Master in the eyes of a certain class
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Divers Matters.
I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Epistle xxvi. To Theoctista, Patrician
To Theoctista, Patrician [1704] Gregory to Theoctista, &c. That your Excellency, though placed in so great a tumult of affairs, is full of the fruitfulness of the sacred word, and incessantly pants after eternal joys, for this I give great thanks to Almighty God, in that in you I see fulfilled what is written of the elect fathers, But the children of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea (Exod. xv. 19). But on the other hand, I am come into the depth of the sea, and the storm hath
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Some Helps to Mourning
Having removed the obstructions, let me in the last place propound some helps to holy mourning. 1 Set David's prospect continually before you. My sin is ever before me' (Psalm 51:3). David, that he might be a mourner, kept his eye full upon sin. See what sin is, and then tell me if there be not enough in it to draw forth tears. I know not what name to give it bad enough. One calls it the devil's excrement. Sin is a complication of all evils. It is the spirits of mischief distilled. Sin dishonours
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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