Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Joshua
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 14
Overview:
The nine tribes and a half to have their inheritance.
(1-5)
Caleb obtains
Hebron.
(6-15)
1-5 The Israelites must occupy the new conquests.
Canaan would
have been subdued in vain, if it had not been inhabited. Yet
every
Man might not go and settle where he pleased.
God shall
choose our inheritance for us. Let us survey our heritage of
present
Mercy, our prospect for the land of promise, eternal in
the heavens. Is
God any respecter of persons? Is it not better
that our place, as to earthly good or sorrow, should be
determined
By the infinite
Wisdom of our heavenly
Father, than
By our own ignorance? Should not those for whom the great
Mystery of
Godliness was exhibited, those whose
Redemption was
purchased
By Jesus Christ, thankfully refer their earthly
concerns to his appointment?
6-15 Caleb's request is, "Give me this mountain," or
Hebron,
because it was formerly in
God's promise to him, and he would
let
Israel know how much he valued the promise. Those who live
By Faith value that which is given
By God's promise, far above
what is given
By his
Providence only. It was now in the Anakims'
possession, and
Caleb would let
Israel know how little he feared
the enemy, and that he would encourage them to push
On their
conquests.
Caleb answered to his name, which signifies "all
Heart."
Hebron was settled
On Caleb and his heirs, because he
wholly followed the
Lord God of
Israel. Happy are we if we
follow him. Singular
Piety shall be crowned with singular
favour.