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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 15:13-19

The historian seems pleased with every occasion to make mention of Caleb and to do him honour, because he had honoured God in following him fully. Observe, I. The grant Joshua made him of the mountain of Hebron for his inheritance is here repeated (Josh. 15:13), and it is said to be given him. 1. According to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua. Though Caleb, in his petition, had made out a very good title to it by promise, yet, because God had ordered Joshua to divide the land by lot, he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 15:16

And Caleb said, he that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it ,.... Which he ordered to be proclaimed through the army that was under his command; and which was done not so much on the account of the difficulty of taking the place, through the number of the inhabitants of it, and its fortifications, which it seems had fallen again into the hands of the Canaanites, since it was taken by Joshua; nor through inactivity, diffidence, and timorousness in himself; but that others, who were officers,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 15:16

Will I give Achsah my daughter - In ancient times fathers assumed an absolute right over their children, especially in disposing of them in marriage; and it was customary for a king or great man to promise his daughter in marriage to him who should take a city, kill an enemy, etc. So Saul promised his daughter in marriage to him who should kill Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:25 ; and Caleb offers his on this occasion to him who should take Kirjath-sepher. Profane writers furnish many... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 15:1-63

The inheritance of Judah. This chapter does not suggest much matter for homiletic treatment. The chief points to be noticed are HOMILIES BY J. WAITE read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 15:16

And Caleb said (cf. 1 Samuel 17:25 ; 1 Chronicles 11:6 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 15:16-19

Fulness of blessing. Achsah had something of her father's spirit in her—ambitious, vigorous, resolute, quick to seize the present opportunity. Having so lately won his own suit Caleb could scarcely deny her her's. Through the simple, Oriental form of this narrative we see the working of deep and universal principles of human life. Let us regard it as suggestive of that restless craving of our nature which can find satisfaction only in the realisation of the higher good. I. NATURE 'S ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 15:16-19

The story of Achsah. I. LOVE IS THE STRONGEST MOTIVE OF CONDUCT . AS Othniel was nephew to Caleb, and therefore must have known Achsah, it is probable that he accepted the challenge to seize Kirjath-sepher from motives of real affection for the daughter of Caleb. God has providentially arranged that human love should serve as a help for the performance of difficult tasks. Christianity appropriates and consecrates the emotion of love by directing it to Christ. Love is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 15:16

Joshua 15:16. Caleb said Made proclamation throughout the army which he led against Debir. Achsah my daughter to wife Which is to be understood with some conditions, as, if he were one who could marry her according to God’s law; and if she were willing; for though parents had a great power over their children, they could not force them to marry any person against their own wills. He might otherwise be an unfit and unworthy person; but this was a divine impulse, that Othniel’s valour might... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 15:1-63

The tribe of Judah (14:6-15:63)By far the largest portions of Canaan went to the chief tribes, those of Judah and Joseph (cf. Genesis 49:8-12,Genesis 49:22-26). Judah received almost the whole of southern Canaan, and Joseph received almost the whole of central Canaan.Caleb received his special inheritance within the area given to his tribe, Judah. Here he proved that his expression of faith made forty-five years earlier was not mere words. At that time he and Joshua alone in Israel believed... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Joshua 15:16-17

Ver. 16, 17. And Caleb said, &c.— To encourage his troops to take Debir, Caleb, at the head of the army, declared publicly, that he would give his daughter in marriage to whoever undertook and succeeded in storming that city. Among the Hebrews, fathers had an absolute power over the marriage of their children. Saul exercised this right, as well as Caleb, 1 Samuel 17:25.; and prophane history supplies us with many similar instances. Othniel, Caleb's nephew, the son of his brother Kenaz,... read more

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