14:1 Eleazar the priest, Joshua Eleazar, Joshua, and the clan heads are the focus in the description of the allotment. See Num 34:17–18.

Joshua son of Nun See note on Josh 1:1.

14:2 by lot The Israelites cast lots to determine the inheritance to show the people that God Himself was behind the allotment decisions (see 18:6, 8, 10; compare Prov 16:33). See Num 26:52–56; 33:54; 34:13.

Old Testament Theology and Divination

nine tribes and the half-tribe See note on 13:7.

14:3 the two tribes and the half-tribe See note on 13:7.

14:4 the descendants of Joseph were two tribes There were actually 13 tribes because Joseph’s was split into two; however, the Levites did not receive land, so the text still refers to 12 tribes. See Gen 41:51–52, 48.

cities to live in See Josh 13:14 and note; 13:33; compare Num 18:20–32.

14:6 Gilgal The Israelite headquarters for the conquest (Josh 4:20; 5:9–10). Since Caleb, the focus of the rest of the chapter, comes from Judah, the discussion of the allotment of Judah’s inheritance begins with this verse. Joshua 15 focuses on the rest of Judah’s inheritance.

Moses the man of God See Deut 33:1.

14:8 I remained true to Yahweh my God Caleb was from Judah (Num 13:6) and was one of the 12 spies of Moses. Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies to express confidence that God would deliver Canaan to the Israelites (Num 13:25–33). God promised that he and Joshua would live and claim their inheritance (Num 14:14, 30, 38; 26:65).

14:10 today I am eighty-five years old Despite his age, Caleb is a man of vigor and enthusiasm (Josh 14:11).

14:11 for war and for daily activities Refers to embarking for battle and returning.

14:12 give me this hill country Caleb asks for the hill and country of Judah, vowing to drive out the remaining Anakim (vv. 6–12). Joshua honors his request and gives him Hebron, which was recorded as having been captured previously (10:3, 36–37; 12:10). The Anakim had apparently moved back into the area (compare 11:22). See note on v. 8.

Giant Clans in the Old Testament

the Anakites See note on v. 15 (compare Num 13:25–33).

14:15 Kiriath Arba The city’s name means “town of four” and may indicate that Hebron belonged to a confederacy of four neighboring settlements (Gen 14:13, 24).

Arba The father of Anak (Josh 15:13).

Anakites One of Canaan’s clans of giant people, which Caleb had encountered while a spy (Deut 2:10–11, 20–21; 3:10–13; compare Num 13:25–33).