https://esv.literalword.com/?q=joshua+15
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 10 June 2025:
Joshua 15:1–12 — The allotment for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their clans…
This section outlines the detailed borders of Judah’s inheritance. While this may seem mundane, it reflects God’s precision and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes. Nothing is random. Every boundary is part of His design. God cares about the details of your life. He sets boundaries for blessing and protection. Are you content with the portion God has assigned to you?
- Deuteronomy 32:8 — When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance… he fixed the borders of the peoples…
- Acts 17:26 — …having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.
Joshua 15:8 – Then the boundary goes up by the Valley of the Son of Hinnom at the southern shoulder of the Jebusite (that is, Jerusalem). And the boundary goes up to the top of the mountain that lies over against the Valley of Hinnom, on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.
Jerusalem is not part of Judah’s inheritance but Benjamin’s. Interesting….
Joshua 15:13–19 — To Caleb… he gave Hebron… and he drove out… the descendants of Anak… And he gave his daughter Achsah in marriage… She said, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land… give me also springs of water.”
Caleb’s bold faith is again on display—driving out the giants in Hebron. His daughter, Achsah, models that same boldness. After receiving land, she asks for more—springs of water. This is not greed; it’s godly confidence in the generosity of a father. Boldness honors God. If you know your Father delights in blessing, ask Him for more—not for selfish gain, but to flourish in what He’s already given.
- James 4:2 — You do not have, because you do not ask.
- Matthew 7:11 — How much more will your Father… give good things to those who ask him!
Joshua 15:20–63 — This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Judah… But the Jebusites… the people of Judah could not drive out…
Judah receives cities and towns in great number, yet verse 63 stands out—Jerusalem remained unconquered. The land was theirs by promise, but not yet in practice. This tension between possessing and occupying continues through Israel’s history. God may give us something by promise, but it must still be fought for and taken by faith. Partial obedience leaves strongholds standing.
- Judges 1:8 — The men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it…
- Philippians 3:12 — Not that I have already obtained… but I press on to make it my own…
A final thought from Joshua 15: God blessed by providing His presence, His protection, family, and land. Concerning the latter two, God’s commands are very intentional in the protection of the family, their rightful inheritance, and property rights. When a government establishes laws and policies that threaten family and robs people of inheritance and rights to property, that government is operating against the will of God.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 10 June 2025: Today’s spiritual workout is about finishing what God has already started—with boldness, not timidity. Like Achsah, ask boldly for the “springs” needed to thrive in your God-given assignment. Like Caleb, chase down every remaining giant. Like Judah, don’t leave the job half-done. Partial possession is not the goal—total faithfulness is. What areas of your spiritual life have you left incomplete? What “Jebusites” still occupy ground that God has already given you? And what blessings have you not yet asked for out of fear or false humility? Don’t settle. Ask boldly. Obey fully. Pray: “Lord, thank You for the inheritance You have given me in Christ. Teach me to honor Your faithfulness by fully occupying the land You’ve assigned me. Help me to fight the battles You call me to, and not to leave spiritual strongholds untouched. Give me boldness like Achsah to ask for what I need, and diligence like Caleb to drive out every obstacle. Finish in me all that You have begun. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 