WEST OF JORDAN: THE LAND DIVIDED BY LOT
(vv. 1-5)
The land west of the Jordan River was divided by Joshua and Eleazar the priest. It was not their discretion that decided this, however, for as to what possessions each tribe was to have, this was decided by casting lots (v.2). Proverbs 16:33 tells us, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Each tribe was left responsible to dispossess any enemies that might remain in their particular inheritance.
Because the Levites were not given territory of their own, except cities in the other tribal property for them to live in, the tribe of Joseph was separated into two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh (vv. 3-4), so that the land was divided to accommodate 12 tribes.
HEBRON GIVEN TO CALEB
(vv. 8-15)
True energy of faith is seen in Caleb, who leads a group from Judah to claim the inheritance he had been promised by Moses. He reminded Joshua of Moses' promise to both him and Joshua because of their standing firmly for the Lord when the other ten spies had brought back a report to put Israel in fear of entering the land (Numbers 14:6-9).
At that time Caleb says he was forty years of age (v. 7), and when sent to spy out the land he brought back a report that fully honored the Lord. When others discouraged the people, he wholly followed the Lord (vv. 7-8). Because of his faithfulness, Moses had sworn that the land Caleb's feet trod upon would be his inheritance. Therefore, his faith, depending on the Word of God, claimed what rightly belonged to him (v. 9). This is deeply instructive for believers today. What God has declared to be ours in scripture, such as we see in the book of Ephesians, we should surely claim with true boldness of faith.
While all the men of Israel who had been over twenty when Caleb was forty, had died before the entry into Canaan (except Joshua), Caleb had continued now till he was 85 (v. 10), and told Joshua that he was as strong at 85 as he had been at 40 to go to war (v. 11). Thus, he and Joshua would be fully 20years older than any of the other men of Israel, yet still full of courage. Caleb's name means "a dog," and he was evidently a Gentile proselyte in Israel (Gentiles being regarded as dogs by Jews), but dogs are noted for their unwavering devotion to one master, and Caleb's devotion to the God of Israel was a salutary example for all Israel.
Therefore, Caleb claimed "this mountain," where the Anakim (giants) lived and who had great and fortified cities (v. 12). He did not look for the easiest place to possess, but the reverse. It made no difference to him how strong the giants were: God was stronger than they. This was enough for him. How good it would be if every believer today had the same firm decision of faith as did Caleb!
In answer to the faith of Caleb, Joshua blessed him and gave him Hebron as an inheritance (v. 13). Hebron means "communion," so that typically Caleb is blessed with the special sweetness of communion with the One to whom he was devoted. It will be so with us too if we do not shrink from the conflict of possessing those possessions that are obtained by genuine faith. If we "wholly follow the Lord" we shall know in vital experience the truth of the words of the Lord Jesus, "If any one loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23).
Verse 15tells us that Hebron had formerly been called Kirjath Arba (city of Arba), and Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. Thus Caleb had no hesitation in dispossessing the greatest of the giants. When he did this, "the land had rest from war."