MARCH 8
In chapter 12 the conquests of Transjordan are reviewed
(verses 1-6), as well as the conquests in Canaan, with the roster of
the kings who were conquered listed in verses 7-24.
In chapter 13 Joshua is instructed by the Lord to apportion
the land they now possess, and is also told by the Lord that “there
remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” The unpossessed land
is outlined in verses 2-7.
In chapter 14 Joshua is giving each tribe its special
inheritance, and Caleb comes to claim his share. He reminds Joshua
of God’s promise, for it is only on the basis of God’s Word that we
can claim our blessings. Note the glorious testimony of strength
Caleb gives in verses 10 and 11. It has been 45 years since the
nation’s failure at Kadesh-Barnea, and Caleb is now 85 years old;
yet he is anxious to claim his inheritance to the glory of God. God
had promised him the inheritance, and Caleb had the faith to believe
that what God promised He was able to perform.
Caleb was able to drive out the inhabitants of his
inheritance, the very “giants” that the ten unbelieving spies had
feared. Unbelief looks at the giants; faith looks to God. Unbelief
depends on man’s “common sense”; faith rests wholly on the Word of
God. Caleb’s dedication and faith saved his life, gained him an
inheritance, overcame the enemy, and enabled him to enrich his own
family for years to come.