College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 15 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 15
Borders of Judah. The territory which was given to Judah was outlined with specific points mentioned on each of the borders. The southern border reached from the south tip of the Dead Sea to a point farther south at Kadesh-barnea. From Kadesh-barnea the southern border ran to the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea formed the west border. The north border was on a line from the northern end of the Dead Sea west to the Mediterranean Sea. The east border was, therefore, the Dead Sea itself.
Caleb's inheritance. Caleb had asked Joshua for the territory of his choice. This was generally outlined in chapter 14, but the material in chapter 15 added some of the details of Caleb's inheritance. His daughter was given in marriage to Othniel, who helped Caleb to conquer the land.
Cities of Judah. The territory of Judah included some of the outstanding cities of all the land of Canaan. Many of them figured prominently into later Jewish history. Special notice was made of the fact that the Jebusites continued to live in Jerusalem, and the children of Judah did not drive them out. The city of Jerusalem later became the capital of all Israel.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
It is good to be first in God's sight. Judah was not the first son of Jacob. Three other sons were born to Jacob before Judah was born. Each of these had been of such character that Jacob by-passed them when he was bestowing his blessing and announcing the birthright among his sons. When he came to Judah, Jacob said: Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise (Genesis 49:8). It is significant that Judah was the first of the tribes to be settled in Canaan. Later on, Judah was the first to go up to battle to exterminate the remaining Canaanites (Judges 1:1-2).
2.
Children are like arrows. The psalmist said: As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth, Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them (Psalms 127:4-5). Caleb was blessed with a daughter who was dear to his heart, and he arranged for her to be married to a valiant man in Israel. When he set out to conquer the land which had been allotted to him, he promised the hand of his daughter in marriage to the man who would go up and successfully capture Debir. Caleb, himself, was a valiant warrior and his son-in-law proved to be of the same mettle. One of the great blessings of service in the army of the Lord is to be associated with those of like courageous spirit.
3.
No city is like the Holy City. More than one hundred cities are mentioned by name in the closing verses of chapter 15. Some of them were very important and figured prominently in the later history of Israel. None was as prominent as Jerusalem, and it was quite appropriate for special mention to be made of its status. Although the children of Israel did not drive the Jebusites out of Jerusalem, it was later captured by David and became the City of the Great King. God used this city as a type of the Holy City which is to come down out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2).
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 15
1.
What country was on the southern border of Judah?
2.
What wilderness was along this same southern border?
3.
By what name was the Dead Sea called in this passage?
4.
What was the best-known point along this south border?
5.
What sea formed the east border of Judah?
6.
What famous city was on the north border of Judah?
7.
What was the west border of Judah?
8.
What did Caleb offer to the man who captured Kirjath-sepher?
9.
Who took the town?
10. Did the people of Judah occupy Jerusalem?