How does Caleb's offer in Judges 1:12 reflect God's rewards for obedience? The Setting of Judges 1:12 “Caleb said, ‘I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher.’” (Judges 1:12) Caleb, now an elder statesman of Israel, is helping secure the promised land. His simple announcement carries layers of meaning about how the Lord rewards those who step forward in obedient faith. Why Caleb’s Offer Mirrors God’s Rewards • Caleb himself models obedience. Forty-five years earlier he trusted God against the majority (Numbers 14:6-9). That loyalty was rewarded with Hebron (Joshua 14:13-14). Now he invites others into the same pattern. • The offer is costly. In ancient Israel a daughter was precious; giving Achsah away shows Caleb’s confidence that God will honor faith-filled action. • The reward matches the risk. Victory over a fortified city required courage; the prize is both relational (marriage) and material (an inheritance), echoing God’s promise of blessing for faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:1-6). • Othniel’s success (Judges 1:13) demonstrates the principle: God provides tangible blessings to those who trust and obey. Scriptural Echoes of the Reward Principle • Deuteronomy 11:26-27 — “See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse: the blessing if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today.” • 1 Samuel 2:30 — “Those who honor Me I will honor.” • Psalm 19:11 — “By them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” • Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” These passages affirm the same truth Caleb illustrates: obedience positions us to receive God’s good gifts. Achsah’s Added Portion: A Picture of Overflowing Blessing • After marriage Achsah asks her father for springs (Judges 1:14-15). Caleb grants “the upper and lower springs,” showing that God’s rewards often exceed initial expectations (Ephesians 3:20). • Land plus water equals lasting provision—abundant life rather than bare survival (John 10:10). Take-Home Truths for Today • God delights to attach rewards to obedience; He invented the principle, and Caleb simply imitates it. • Stepping out in faith may seem risky, but Scripture assures that the Lord’s recompense outweighs any cost (Matthew 19:29). • Blessings connected to obedience are both present (peace, provision, opportunity) and future (eternal inheritance, 2 Timothy 4:8). • Like Othniel, we are invited to seize God-given opportunities with courage, trusting that He remains faithful to honor His Word. |
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