Joshua 14:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 14:15
15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjath-arba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
Chapter Context
Joshua 14 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, salvation, obedience. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 14:15
15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjath-arba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
Analysis
And the name of Hebron before was Kirjath-arba—Kirjath-arba (קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע) means "city of Arba" or "city of four." Arba (אַרְבַּע) was "a great man among the Anakims"—perhaps the greatest of the giant clans that terrorized the ten spies (Numbers 13:28, 33). The Hebrew ha-adam ha-gadol (הָאָדָם הַגָּדוֹל, "the great man") could mean physically great (giant) or socially great (chief). Either way, his city represented Israel's greatest fear forty years earlier.
And the land had rest from war—This concluding phrase marks a major transition. The Hebrew shaqat (שָׁקַט, "rest/quiet") appears at key points in Joshua and Judges, indicating periods when God's people experienced peace through obedience. The conquest of Hebron—symbol of Israel's former fear now possessed by Caleb's faith—appropriately introduces this rest. True rest comes not from absence of enemies but from God's faithfulness rewarding wholehearted obedience. Caleb's conquest of giants brought rest to the land.
Historical Context
The phrase "land had rest from war" marks the end of the major conquest phase (circa 1400 BC). While pockets of resistance remained and individual tribes still had work to do, the systematic national campaigns under Joshua's unified command were complete. This rest lasted until later oppression during the period of Judges, demonstrating that maintaining rest requires continued obedience.
Reflection
- How does Caleb's conquest of Israel's greatest former fear (Anakim giants) illustrate faith overcoming fear?
- What does it mean that 'the land had rest from war' when some enemies still remained unconquered?
- How might naming Hebron after its former giant king serve as perpetual reminder of God's power to overcome our greatest obstacles?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Joshua 11:23, 15:13, Genesis 23:2, Judges 3:11