Joshua 14:12

Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD's help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken."

Study Bible

Now give me this hill country
This phrase reflects Caleb's bold request to Joshua for the land that was promised to him by Moses. The Hebrew word for "hill country" is "har," which often denotes a mountainous region. Caleb's request is not just for any land, but for a challenging terrain that requires faith and courage to conquer. Historically, this area was known for its formidable inhabitants, the Anakim, who were giants. Caleb's faith in God's promise is evident as he asks for a land that others might fear to claim.

that the LORD promised me
Caleb's confidence is rooted in the promise of God. The Hebrew word for "promised" is "dabar," which means to speak or declare. This highlights the power and certainty of God's word. Caleb's reliance on God's promise is a testament to his unwavering faith. The promise was made decades earlier, and Caleb's patience and trust in God's timing are exemplary for believers.

that day
This refers to the specific time when Moses made the promise to Caleb. The phrase "that day" anchors the promise in a historical context, reminding us of the faithfulness of God over time. It emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness as a foundation for present and future trust.

For you yourself heard then
Caleb reminds Joshua that he was a witness to the promise. The phrase underscores the importance of accountability and shared memory in the community of faith. Joshua's firsthand knowledge of the promise adds weight to Caleb's request, as it is not based on hearsay but on a shared experience of God's word.

that the Anakim were there
The Anakim were a race of giants, known for their strength and size. The mention of the Anakim serves to highlight the daunting nature of the task before Caleb. Yet, it also underscores Caleb's faith and courage, as he is not deterred by the presence of these formidable foes. Historically, the Anakim were a source of fear for the Israelites, but Caleb's trust in God overcomes this fear.

and that their cities were large and fortified
This description of the cities emphasizes the strength and security of the enemy's position. The Hebrew word for "fortified" is "batsar," meaning to make inaccessible or secure. Caleb's request for such a challenging inheritance demonstrates his belief that with God's help, no obstacle is insurmountable. It serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's power to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

but the LORD helping me
Caleb acknowledges that his success depends on divine assistance. The phrase "the LORD helping me" reflects a deep reliance on God's strength rather than his own. This humility and dependence on God are central to Caleb's character and serve as a model for believers facing their own battles.

I will drive them out just as the LORD said
Caleb's declaration of intent to drive out the Anakim is based on God's promise. The phrase "just as the LORD said" underscores the faithfulness of God to fulfill His word. Caleb's confidence is not in his own ability but in the certainty of God's promise. This assurance in God's word is a powerful reminder for believers to trust in God's promises, regardless of the circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Caleb
One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan. He is known for his faithfulness and trust in God's promises, even when others doubted.

2. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and distributing the land among the tribes.

3. Anakim
A race of giants in the land of Canaan, known for their formidable size and strength, which intimidated the other spies.

4. Hebron
The hill country Caleb requested, a significant city in biblical history, later becoming a city of refuge and a Levitical city.

5. The LORD's Promise
The divine assurance given to Caleb that he would inherit the land he explored because of his unwavering faith.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Caleb's request for the hill country demonstrates unwavering faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to trust God's word, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

Courage in the Face of Giants
Caleb's willingness to confront the Anakim teaches us to face our own "giants" with courage, relying on God's strength rather than our own.

Wholehearted Devotion
Caleb's life exemplifies wholehearted devotion to God. Believers are called to follow God fully, without reservation or doubt.

Inheritance Through Faithfulness
Caleb's inheritance of Hebron is a testament to the rewards of faithfulness. Christians are reminded that spiritual inheritance is secured through steadfast faith.

God's Help in Overcoming Challenges
Caleb's confidence that "the LORD helping me, I will drive them out" underscores the importance of relying on God's help to overcome life's challenges.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Caleb's faith in God's promise challenge you in your current circumstances?

2. What "giants" are you facing in your life, and how can Caleb's example inspire you to confront them?

3. In what ways can you demonstrate wholehearted devotion to God in your daily life?

4. How does the account of Caleb and the Anakim encourage you to trust in God's strength rather than your own?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's help in overcoming a challenge. How can this experience strengthen your faith today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 13-14
These chapters recount the account of the twelve spies, Caleb's faith, and the resulting promise from God that Caleb would inherit the land he explored.

Deuteronomy 1:34-36
This passage reiterates God's promise to Caleb due to his faithfulness and wholehearted following of the LORD.

Hebrews 11:1
This verse defines faith, which is exemplified by Caleb's trust in God's promise despite the daunting presence of the Anakim.