Ver. 15. And the name of Hebron before was, &c.— Perhaps the words, a great man, might be rendered a strong man; the original word גדול gadol signifying greatness of size and strength, as well as greatness of authority and power. See Genesis 24:35. Arba was the father of Anak; ch. Judges 15:13 Joshua 21:11. He built or fortified Kir-jath, or made it the city of his residence, after the manner of princes, and perhaps was there buried. Hence its name. See Numbers 13:33 and particularly Genesis 13:18.
And the land had rest from war— The sacred writer repeats what he had said before, because, having gone aside by way of digression, which had a little diverted him from the history of the division of the conquered country, and now coming to that interesting detail, he would shew, that the enemies who remained still in the land of Canaan dared not lift the head to hinder the disposition of their territories.
Caleb, in right of former promise, when now the land was about to be divided, puts in his claim for a particular possession in Hebron, which, as being given him of God, ought not to be put into a lot, God's will being determined before by his promise. The children of Judah accompany him to support his plea, which he urges with great simplicity, deep piety, and noble courage.
1. He mentions his faithful report among the faithless spies; not by way of proud boasting, but to the honour of God, whom he followed, speaking the truth from his heart. Note; (1.) It is not pride, but due acknowledgment, to declare what a gracious God has done for us, and by us. (2.) The more singular our fidelity to God has been, the more commendable. (3.) They who serve God in simplicity in their youth, will find the comfort and blessing of it when they are old.
2. He repeats his long experience of God's care of him, as kept alive for the fulfilment of the promise. Five-and-forty years he had been preserved, when all the men of his own age had long since been buried: and he not only lived, but was as strong as ever, as if reserved at eighty-five more gloriously to magnify the Divine power, in the destruction of those sons of Anak who had so terrified the host of Israel in the wilderness. Note; (1.) The issues of life are in God's hand; nor age, nor sickness, nor the sword, can hurt those whose preservation he determines. (2.) Every year that we are spared is a call for new thankfulness to him who keepeth our souls in life. (3.) The death of others around us should make us more sensible of the mercy which preserves us. (4.) A vigorous old age is an unusual blessing.
3. He offers now, aged as he was, to dispossess the Anakims, who had, after the taking of the city of Hebron, retired to the fastnesses of the mountains; and doubts not but by the Divine blessing, to which alone he trusted, to be able to subdue them. Note; (1.) They, who trust in God, will never find themselves disappointed of their hope. (2.) If God be with us, the sons of Anak, our giant-like corruptions, must fall before us.
4. Joshua admits the claim, and consents to the offer; commends his courage, and prays for his success. Thus Caleb received his reward for having wholly followed the Lord; and they who carefully copy his steps shall as surely share his blessing in a better country, that is, a heavenly.