Joshua 15:15-17
And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. And Caleb said, “He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter as wife.” And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While the text notes the former name of Debir was "Kiriath-sepher," it hints at a deeper meaning. This name, meaning "City of Books," suggests it was a center of learning or held significant records, perhaps even ancient legal or religious texts of the Canaanites. This detail offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the land before Israel's full conquest.
Having already been given Hebron, Caleb now marches with his forces to conquer Debir, a city previously known as Kiriath-sepher. This action continues the fulfillment of the land division among the tribes, following Caleb's significant victory at Hebron and his subsequent promise to give his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever conquered Debir.
Why would a city be called 'The City of Books'? This ancient name for Debir hints at a rich intellectual or historical significance.
The verse tells us that Debir was formerly known as Kiriath-sepher. This name, in the ancient language, translates to 'City of Books' or 'City of Scribes.' While the exact reason for this name is debated among scholars, it suggests that Debir was a place of learning, a center for archives, or perhaps a repository of significant historical records.
This isn't just a random detail. It adds a layer of depth to the conquest narrative. As Joshua and Caleb led the Israelites into Canaan, they weren't just claiming territory; they were taking possession of cities with distinct identities and histories. The renaming of cities, or noting their former names, often signifies a transition of power and a new era under God's people.
The conquest of Debir is linked to a remarkable story of a father's promise and a daughter's courageous request.
The verse mentions Caleb advancing against Debir. This is the same Caleb who, years earlier, had promised his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever could conquer the formidable city of Debir. When Achsah's husband, Othniel (a valiant warrior), succeeded, she didn't just passively accept her reward.
She dismounted from her donkey and boldly asked her father, Caleb, for a further blessing: 'Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.' Caleb, impressed by her courage and recognizing her right to ask, granted her not only the 'upper springs' but also the 'nether springs.' This story highlights several things:
The name 'Debir' ('place of the oracle' or 'sanctuary') before its conquest and renaming to 'Kiriath-sepher' ('city of books' or 'city of scribes') suggests it was a significant cultural or religious center in Canaan, adding depth to its strategic importance during the Israelite conquest.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Enter Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan, following God's command.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Southern Canaan
Joshua leads a campaign in the south, defeating kings and cities like Hebron. This sets the stage for the division of the land.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Caleb Receives Hebron and Debir
Caleb, a faithful spy from the Exodus generation, is given the city of Hebron and its surrounding territory, including Debir, as his inheritance.
c. 1400 BC
Othniel Captures Debir
Caleb offers his daughter Achsah's hand in marriage to whoever can conquer the city of Debir, a challenge met and won by Othniel.
This passage directly quotes the former name of Debir, Kiriath-sepher, and links it to Othniel's conquest, directly connecting to the event in Joshua.
Joshua 10:38-39This earlier mention of Debir also highlights its former name, Kiriath-sepher, and its conquest by Joshua, reinforcing the significance of this city and its name change.
Jeremiah 49:3This prophecy against Ammon mentions 'their king' and 'its princes,' hinting at the loss of ruling and knowledge associated with the name 'Kirjath-sepher' meaning 'city of books'.
Proverbs 18:15This verse speaks to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, conceptually linking to a place named 'city of books' and the value placed on wisdom.
calvinJoshua 15:14-63: "And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
- And it came to pass as she came unto him, etc Although we may conjecture that the damsel Acsa was of excellent morals and well brought up, as marriage with her had been held forth as the special reward [149] of victory, yet perverse cupidity on her part is here disclosed. She knew that by the divine law women were specially excluded from hereditary lands, but she neverthe…
clarkeJoshua 15:15: "And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher."
Kirjath-sepher - The city of the book. Why so named is uncertain. It was also called Debir, and Kirjath-sannah. See Joshua 15:49 .
While the text notes the former name of Debir was "Kiriath-sepher," it hints at a deeper meaning. This name, meaning "City of Books," suggests it was a center of learning or held significant records, perhaps even ancient legal or religious texts of the Canaanites. This detail offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the land before Israel's full conquest.
Having already been given Hebron, Caleb now marches with his forces to conquer Debir, a city previously known as Kiriath-sepher. This action continues the fulfillment of the land division among the tribes, following Caleb's significant victory at Hebron and his subsequent promise to give his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever conquered Debir.
Having already been given Hebron, Caleb now marches with his forces to conquer Debir, a city previously known as Kiriath-sepher. This action continues the fulfillment of the land division among the tribes, following Caleb's significant victory at Hebron and his subsequent promise to give his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever conquered Debir.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Joshua 15:15-17 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1400 BC
Land Distribution to Judah
The tribe of Judah receives its allotted territory, which includes Hebron and other cities conquered during the initial campaigns.
"And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. And Caleb said, “He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter as wife.” And Othniel the son…" — While the text notes the former name of Debir was "Kiriath-sepher," it hints at a deeper meaning. This name, meaning "City of Books," suggests it was a center of learning or held significant records,…
