More of the distribution of the promised land. Not much to say about these chapters except notice the little insert about Caleb offering his daughter as a wife to the man who drives out one of the Anak. remember that the Anak are the tribe of giants that struck fear in the hearts of the Israelites 40 years earlier and the tribe from which Goliath will come from. What do you suppose this is about? Two things, Caleb wants a man for his daughter that will not shrink from doing that which God has already called them to.....drive the Anak from the land.....and I think he wants someone with a heart like his own that beats fiercely.....a man that does not fear a challenge. And isn't Caleb's daughter much like her Dad? In the chapter earlier, Caleb is not bashful about asking for what he wants in the distribution of land. Here, his daughter is bold to ask for the land with springs for herself and her new husband.
Sprinkled throughout these chapters are the words that remind us that despite the great victories the occupation is never completed. Later chapters and books will tell the story of how fatal this is to Israel. Why did they not complete the work? It certainly seems that they could have. It would have taken effort, but what great thing ever becomes ours that doesn't require effort. Many of those who were allowed to stay were forced to serve Israel in menial work or as slaves. Perhaps this is the key to the failed victory. Many of Israel desired peace and wealth more than they valued obedience to God. They compromised and kept slaves in order that they might live lives of ease. The seeds to their own destruction have been sowed. Do we ever compromise in similar ways? Do we accept less than full victory for God? Do we allow some little sins remain because we believe that they can do no real damage?
The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim want more land than their allotment. Joshua tells them, "if you are a great people, go and get land." there was more land to be had, but it would require work. Where they willing to extend themselves to have all the blessings that God desired for them? Are we? There are folks all around us who need what we have. Some of them will face judgment without ever having heard the story of the God who loves them with a love that will not let them go. Why are we so reluctant to do the work that would extend the borders of the church and God's kingdom?
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