Men's Group Study Guide
Introduction
Mostly in this chapter we have the distribution of land to the tribe of Judah. Because they were the largest tribe by number they would receive the largest lot of land to occupy. This is mainly due to the ordinance of God and also the character of the leader of that specific tribe (Caleb). Whoever penned the book of Joshua is taking opportunity regularly to build on the reputation of the man Caleb. Why else would that be, other than to point out AGAIN, part of the blessing that comes with being an obedient son of the Most High God. Perhaps we could meditate on these verses from Leviticus 26:3-9. God is so good.
I pray that each of us that read these scriptures would be enlightened and praise the Lord (Ephesians 1:18).
STUDY NOTES: verses 1-12
Vs. 1-12 So this was the lot if the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families: The border of Edom at the Wilderness of Zin southward was the extreme southern boundary..... vs.12 The west border was the coastline of the Great Sea. This is the boundary of the children of Judah all around according to their families. It seems good that this powerful and pugnacious tribe was located where they were due to the general location of their sworn enemies the Edomites. This is a good defense for any attacks that could possibly come from the southern regions. Just to the north of them would be the tribe of Benjamin. This would be the tribe that contained Jerusalem. A key city throughout the Bible. Psalm 137:4-6
Vs. 13-19 Now to Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a share among the children of Judah, according to the commandments of the Lord to Joshua, namely, Kirjath Arba, which is Hebron (Arba was the father of Anak)...... vs.19 She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. In these passages we have more spectacular characteristics of leadership. It was obviously true what was said in chapter 14 vs 11 that Caleb was a stallion. He drove out the three youthful sons of the giants Anak in the conquest of Hebron. Then to encourage the bravery of those around him he continues up to Debir and the conquest of it. But it does not stop there. Caleb puts up a grand reward (his own daughter) to any one willing to go up and take the “city of writing” (Kirjath Sepher). In similar fashion his young nephew warrior rose up and took the city and his reward in verse 17. Continuing into verses 18 and 19 we also see how Calebs’ own daughter had received a good education on tenacity. All these instances point toward greater principles (Prov 22:6 / Deut. 6:7 / Mattew 7:11). Calebs’ life, from beginning to end, was a fantastic demonstration to not only his children, but to all those in his sphere of influence. These are just some of the great fruits that will come from our own obedience to the Lord. He is good, and we would be far from wise to pursue anything other than wholly following the Lord our God.
Vs. 20-63 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families..... vs. 63 As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day. A more detailed geography lesson is put forth in these verses. Nothing very stirring jumps out of these verses until the very end in vs. 63. “....the children of Judah could not drive them out.....” It is not completely clear to me what this verse means entirely, but I think that one thing is for sure, by God’s grace, we must drive out every last sin that the Spirit reveals to us. Without this wholly obedience, it seems that there will continue to be some sort of foothold for the enemy to take advantage of us or our children. Hebrews 11:33-34 / Hebrews 12:1-2
TRUTH APPLIED:
Q. 1 Where do you think Caleb’s character came from? Was it his natural abilities that took him so far in life, or was it something else? Prov. 16:9 / Zech. 4:6
Q. 2 One of God’s promises for His children, is to be able to enter into rest. Hebrews 4:1,6-11 Are these verses talking about rest when we get to heaven or is it for present day?One of God’s promises for His children, is to be able to enter into rest. Hebrews 4:1,6-11 Are these verses talking about rest when we get to heaven or is it for present day?
Q. 3 What is a good definition for the phrase “wholly follow the Lord”?
Q. 4 If you take a look at your daily life and your relationship with God, would you be able to say that you wholly follow the Lord?
Q. 5 Does your life influence those around you in a way that will strengthen and encourage them or do you add to the fear, doubt, confusion and anger that comes from the world?
CONCLUSION:
God has given every one of His children the promise of rest. It isn’t so much of a physical rest as it is a rest for your soul which seems to result in many things and physical rest can be just one. But how many Christians truly get to receive that rest in their own lives? Day in and day out we can be bombarded with nonsense from the world that will easily steal from us any rest. It is easy to grow old quickly. From wandering in the desert, through many, many battles and on into the promised land, Caleb was able to hold onto a youthful strength. Again, it was not just a physical strength but a spiritual strength also. This is a big thing for any man who wants to take on that God given responsibility of being a leader. Without it, we can easily remain in the desert and screw a lot of things up. God’s grace has so many levels. I pray that all my brothers, including myself, would be able to experience so much more of God’s richest grace. Put aside for now, the things you think you know. Cry out to Him daily for a new understanding and a closer walk with Him. Wholly follow your GOD. Psalm 103:1-5