What does Judges 1:20 teach about obedience and divine inheritance? The Verse: Judges 1:20 “And Hebron was given to Caleb, as Moses had promised, and Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak.” Snapshot of the Story - Caleb had earlier spied out Canaan and brought back a faithful report (Numbers 14:6–9). - Moses promised him a specific inheritance because of his wholehearted obedience (Deuteronomy 1:36). - After Israel entered the land, the tribe of Judah honored that promise by assigning Hebron to Caleb. - Caleb did not merely accept the deed; he actively expelled the Anakim, giants who once terrified Israel. Obedience on Display - Trust that endures: Caleb’s faith remained steady from Kadesh-barnea to conquest—over forty years. - Action follows faith: He “drove out” the Anakim; genuine obedience moves beyond agreement to decisive steps. - Courage sourced in God’s promise: Caleb confronted formidable enemies, confident that the Lord had guaranteed victory (Joshua 14:12). - Wholeheartedness rewarded: Scripture repeatedly notes that Caleb “followed the LORD fully” (Numbers 14:24), underscoring the link between complete obedience and blessing. Divine Inheritance Highlighted - Promise kept: The land grant shows God’s faithfulness to specific, spoken promises (Joshua 14:9). - Tangible blessing: Hebron was not symbolic; it was a fertile, strategic city—proof that God’s inheritance is concrete. - Partnership with God: Caleb’s role in taking possession illustrates that inheritance often involves cooperation, not passivity (Philippians 2:12-13). - Foreshadowing eternal inheritance: Just as Caleb received Hebron, believers await “an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). Lessons for Today - Believe God’s Word even when culture, giants, or years stand in the way. - Step forward in obedience; divine promises invite human action. - Expect God to honor every detail He has spoken—His track record with Caleb guarantees it. - View present obedience as rehearsal for a greater, eternal inheritance. Supporting Scriptures - Numbers 14:24 — “But My servant Caleb...he has followed Me fully; I will bring him into the land.” - Deuteronomy 1:36 — “Except Caleb...he will see it, and I will give him the land.” - Joshua 14:12-14 — Caleb’s request and reception of Hebron. - 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice.” - Psalm 37:34 — “Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land.” - Hebrews 10:36 — “You need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” |
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