Joshua 15:13-14
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This verse highlights that Caleb's inheritance, Hebron, was given "according to the commandment of the LORD," not by chance or Joshua's own decree. It underscores that Hebron, despite being a significant city and associated with the formidable Anakites ("Arba was the father of Anak"), was divinely promised to Caleb.
According to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, he gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the people of Judah, Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron (Arba was the father of Anak). And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak, Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the descendants of Anak.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a specific grant of land within the larger division of Canaan for the tribe of Judah. It explains that Joshua, following God's direct command, gave the prominent city of Hebron and its surrounding territory to Caleb. This was not part of the general distribution by lot but a fulfillment of a promise made earlier to Caleb for his faithfulness as a spy.
Why was Caleb's portion in Hebron so significant? It wasn't just Joshua's decision; it was a direct command from the Lord.
Joshua 15:13 highlights a crucial aspect of the land division: it wasn't arbitrary. The text explicitly states that Joshua gave Caleb his inheritance 'according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua'. This underscores that God's promises to His faithful servants are paramount. Caleb had previously requested the challenging hill country of Hebron based on his faith in God's promise made years earlier (Numbers 13:30, Joshua 14:12). This verse confirms that God honored that faith, ensuring His command to Joshua upheld what He had promised Caleb.
Hebron wasn't just any city; it was a stronghold of the formidable Anakim. Why was it given to Caleb, and what does this tell us about God's power?
The verse identifies Hebron as 'the city of Arba the father of Anak'. The Anakim were giants, a people known for their intimidating stature and strength (Numbers 13:33). Possessing Hebron, a major Anakite center, was a daunting task. However, Caleb, having spied out the land forty years prior, had faith that God would enable him to conquer it (Joshua 14:12). This inheritance, therefore, represents more than just land; it signifies victory over seemingly insurmountable obstacles through divine empowerment. It’s a testament to God fulfilling His word by giving His people strength to overcome the giants in their path.
Understand the original words
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peh · Hebrew Noun
An authoritative decree or charge issued by a superior, specifically used to refer to the divine instructions given by God to His people or His appointed leaders.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, revealing His covenantal character, faithfulness, and self-existence to His people.
cheleq · Hebrew Noun
A hereditary portion of land or position given by God to individuals or tribes as a fulfillment of His promises; it signifies belonging and security.
Anaq · Hebrew Proper Noun
Often referring to a legendary group of giants or formidable inhabitants in the land of Canaan, representing the significant obstacles and spiritual enemies that Israel had to overcome through faith and obedience to God.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
The act of expelling, dispossessing, or removing enemies or occupants from land, frequently used in the context of Israel’s conquest to signify the removal of idolatrous influences as commanded by God.
This verse highlights that Caleb's inheritance of Hebron wasn't just a random lot but a fulfillment of a specific promise from God, given to him for his faithfulness years earlier. It shows God's personal attention to those who trust Him, even amidst the larger national distribution of the land.
c. 1405 BC
Caleb's Request for Hebron
After the initial conquest of Canaan, Caleb, a faithful Israelite spy, reminds Joshua of a promise made by Moses and requests the mountainous region of Hebron, which was inhabited by the Anakim.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Joshua Grants Caleb His Inheritance
Joshua, following God's command, grants Caleb possession of Hebron and its surrounding territory. This occurred before the formal division of the land by lot among the tribes.
c. 1405 BC
Division of Land by Lot
The land of Canaan is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel through the casting of lots, following God's instructions given through Moses and Joshua.
c. 1390 BC
Judah Completes Conquest of Hebron
Following Joshua's death, the tribe of Judah, led by Caleb, engages in further conflict and finally drives out the remaining Anakim from Hebron and its vicinity.
This passage directly mentions Hebron and the Anakim (including Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) who were present there, setting the stage for Caleb's later conquest and inheritance.
Joshua 14:6-15This is a crucial parallel, as it details Caleb's original request for Hebron based on his faithfulness as a spy and God's prior promise, showing the divine basis for Joshua granting it to him.
Deuteronomy 1:36This verse shows God's direct promise to Caleb, dating back to the Exodus, that he and his descendants would inherit the land he scouted, which is directly fulfilled in Joshua 15:13.
Judges 1:10-15This passage recounts the tribe of Judah's conquest of Hebron and its surroundings after Joshua's death, including the defeat of the Anakim, completing the fulfillment of Caleb's inheritance.
calvinJoshua 15:1-13: "This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast."
And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:
Et egreditur versus meridiem Maale-acrabim, et illinc transit in Sin: progredien…
gillJoshua 15:13: "And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron."
And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah,.... That is, Joshua gave it to him. This account is inserted before the cities in the lot of the tribe of Judah were enumerated, to show what was to be excepted from them, and which had been given to Caleb p…
This verse highlights that Caleb's inheritance, Hebron, was given "according to the commandment of the LORD," not by chance or Joshua's own decree. It underscores that Hebron, despite being a significant city and associated with the formidable Anakites ("Arba was the father of Anak"), was divinely promised to Caleb.
This verse highlights a specific grant of land within the larger division of Canaan for the tribe of Judah. It explains that Joshua, following God's direct command, gave the prominent city of Hebron and its surrounding territory to Caleb. This was not part of the general distribution by lot but a fulfillment of a promise made earlier to Caleb for his faithfulness as a spy.
This verse highlights a specific grant of land within the larger division of Canaan for the tribe of Judah. It explains that Joshua, following God's direct command, gave the prominent city of Hebron and its surrounding territory to Caleb. This was not part of the general distribution by lot but a fulfillment of a promise made earlier to Caleb for his faithfulness as a spy.
"According to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, he gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the people of Judah, Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron (Arba was the father of Anak). And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of An…" — This verse highlights that Caleb's inheritance, Hebron, was given "according to the commandment of the LORD," not by chance or Joshua's own decree. It underscores that Hebron, despite being a signifi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
