Joshua 15:18
And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern women, while living in patriarchal societies, exercised more agency than often assumed. Property law, inheritance customs, and marriage contracts (like those found in Nuzi tablets and Egyptian papyri) show women could own property, initiate legal actions, and engage in business. Achsah's request fits this context—she wasn't overstepping cultural bounds but working within established customs that allowed women to make legitimate property claims. Riding donkeys was common for both genders in ancient Israel; horses were primarily military animals. Dismounting before addressing a superior showed respect (compare 1 Samuel 25:23 where Abigail dismounts before David). Achsah's action signaled this wasn't casual conversation but formal petition. The Negev land she and Othniel received (v. 19) was good for grazing but needed water sources for full productivity, explaining her specific request for springs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Achsah's bold but respectful initiative encourage you to make legitimate requests to God and human authorities rather than passively accepting minimal provision?
- What additional blessings might God be willing to grant if you ask with appropriate faith and persistence (James 4:2, Matthew 7:7-8)?
- How can you balance contentment with what you have while still seeking God's best provision for your life and ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? This verse reveals Achsah's wisdom and initiative. The phrase "she moved him" (tasitehu, תְּסִיתֵהוּ, from sut, סוּת, "to incite" or "persuade") indicates Achsah encouraged Othniel to request additional land from Caleb. Some translations suggest she persuaded Othniel to let her ask, which the narrative bears out. Ancient Near Eastern custom generally had men negotiate property matters, making Achsah's direct approach noteworthy.
"She lighted off her ass" (vatitsnach me-al ha-chamor, וַתִּצְנַח מֵעַל הַחֲמוֹר) describes a deliberate dismount, possibly signaling respect, formality, or preparation for serious conversation. The action caught Caleb's attention, prompting his question, "What wouldest thou?" (mah-lach, מַה־לָּךְ, literally "What to you?" or "What is it you desire?"). Caleb's question shows openness to his daughter's request and respect for her voice.
This interaction models healthy family dynamics where women's wisdom contributes to household decisions. Achsah, like her father, demonstrates boldness—not satisfied with minimal blessing but seeking maximum provision within appropriate bounds. Her initiative prefigures other bold biblical women (Abigail, Esther, the Canaanite woman of Matthew 15:22-28) who, through respectful persistence, obtained blessing for themselves and others.