1. Energy of faith to possess the inheritance
Joshua 14 and 15

2. CALEB’s persistence and spiritual energy
The Lord asked Moses to send 12 men to search out the land of Canaan. (Num. 13,1-16). He did so, because of the moral condition of the people (see also Deut. 1, 19-22).
Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, was one of the spies, who represented the tribe of Judah (V. 6). Caleb’s name means “a dog”. (Dogs are noted for their unwavering devotion to one master). He was evidently a Gentile proselyte in Israel (a Kenizzite).
The spies brought back words of discouragement (Num. 13, 26-33).
Only Caleb stood up against the others (V. 30): «And Caleb stilled the people before Moses and said: Let us go up boldly and possess it, for we are able to do it.»
He had faith in God who is «able». He believed the promises of God!
He had real courage and stood up against the opinion of others – the majority of the people.
He tried to calm down the people and encouraged the people to go up boldly, but the congregation/the people wanted to stone Joshua & Caleb.
Joshua and Caleb were sad about the reaction of the people and rent their garments (Num. 14,6).
They both said: “The land is a very, very good land” and “Jehovah is with us” (Num. 14, 7-10).

3. CALEB’s persistence and spiritual energy
God made a promise to Caleb: “But my servant Caleb, because he hat another spirit in him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where into he came; and his seed shall possess it.” (Num. 14, 24).
God always honours faith (Example: Abraham). That is a principle still valid for us today!
God also punishes unbelief (the others died by the plague before Jehovah – V. 37).
Some rebellious people went up against the will of the Lord and they all died (V ).
Caleb went not with them – but he bore the judgement of the Lord with His people for almost 40 years! Do we identify today with the weakness of God’s people and do we bow under it?
Caleb continued to trust the Lord and was able to wait for His time! Can you wait for His time?
The people died in the wilderness because of disobedience and unbelief (Hebr. 3, 18-19).

4. CALEB’s persistence and spiritual energy
Joshua 14, 6 – 15:
The turn is now on Judah to receive their inheritance (Verse 6).
Finally, the waiting and hoping comes to end for Caleb. His faith, depending on the Word of God, claimed what rightly belonged to him (Verse 9).
He could say: “I wholly followed Jehovah, my God.” (Jos. 14, 8). What does it mean?
He always believed in the Word of God and acted accordingly.
His report fully honoured the Lord! He stood firmly for the Lord.
He was not influenced by the opinion of the people, but brought a word, “as it was in his heart”.
He never compromised, nor changed his mind, but stood firm in midst of unbelief (Verse 8).
Caleb was 40 years old, when sent out as a spy, now he was 85 years of age, and still spiritually and physically strong, because he continued following the Lord!
Caleb had absolutely no fear of the Anakim, because: God is stronger than the giants.
He received HEBRON (= Kirjath-Arba), which means communion, “because he wholly followed Jehovah, the God of Israel”. (this is mentioned 3 times in this passage!) – See: John 14, 23.

5. Achsah, his daughter, and Othniel, her husband
Joshua 15, 13 – 19

6. Achsah and Othniel encourage others and bring blessing to others
Caleb enjoyed the communion with God and was glad to encourage others in God’s service.
Caleb gave opportunity to others to capture this Kirjath-Sepher and promised to give his daughter to the one, who would take Debir (oracle = speaking for Him).
Othniel, his nephew, responded to the challenge. Othniel means «lion of God», speaking of the courage to act for God. There are many challenges today! How do we respond to them?
Achsah (=anklet) persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field (an inheritance).
Achsah also asked for springs of water. She received a double portion:
a) The upper springs: refreshment of enjoying our inheritance in heavenly places.
b) The lower springs: furnish us with grace to walk through the world in obedience to God.
Do we also ask God in simple faith, who indeed is a liberal giver? (James 1,5-6).

7. The daughters of Zelophehad
Joshua 17, 3 – 6

8. The daughters of Zelophehad God responds to faith
The names of the 5 daughters:
Mahlah - 1. weakness, 2.mild, tender
Noah agility, 2. flattery
Hoglah - «Magpie» = a chattering bird
Milcah - 1. counseller, 2. queen
Tirzah - charm, delight, pleasant
The 5 sisters were very different in their characters, but united in their faith to God.
They were from the tribe of Manasseh.
Their names are mentioned 4 times:
Num. 26, same sequence
Num. 27, same sequence
Num. 36, different order
Josh. 17, 3 - same sequence
The inheritance meant very much to them. They did not want to loose it, because there was no son.
Their request was honoured by God: «The daughters of Zelophehad speak right.» (Num. 27, 6-7)
It became a law/blessing for others (V. 8 – 11).

9. The daughters of Zelophehad God responds to faith
Numbers 36, 1 – 12:
The chief fathers of Manasseh (Joseph)saw another problem: «If they marry a man from another tribe, will Manasseh loose their inheritance?
God said again: «The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well». Their concern was justified and right.
A new law was given: «Let them marry whom they please; only they shall marry one of the tribe of their fathers» (V. 6).
Marrying an unbeliever is totally wrong according to God’s Word (2. Kor. 6, 14).
Marrying a believer is not enough, it has to be «in the Lord».
Marrying a believer, who understands and walks in the same «way», is very important, if we do not want to loose «our inheritance».
The daughters of Zelophehad were obedient and did, as Jeahovah had comanded Moses – so they did! (V. 10). They are mentioned again, but in a different order.

10. The daughters of Zelophehad God responds to faith
Joshua 17, 3-6:
Even though the Lord has promised an inheritance to the daughters of Zelophehad, they had to wait a long time, before they could take possession of it. They showed patience and endurance!
Finally the turn was with the sons of Manasseh. But again they had to wait: First the males and their families received their inheritance (V. 1-2).
Now the daughters of Z. came personally (did not send their husbands!) to claim their inheritance – «as Jehovah commanded Moses» (V.3-4).
What an energy of faith showed these 5 women!
There was no discussion: «He gave them according to the commandment of Jehovah an inheritance among the brethren».

11. The daughters of Zelophehad God responds to faith
Joshua 17, 3-6 (cont.):
Manasseh received 10 extra portions – as a result of their faith (V. 5).
Manasseh was split in two: one half tribe was in Gilead and Bashan, and the other half tribe was in the land.
The portions of the 5 daugthers of Zelophehad were in the land, not «beyond the Jordan». They enjoyed the full blessing of the land!
Ps. 16, 6: «The lines (portions) are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.»
We also are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph. 1, 3). Do you take hold of it or are you satisfied «beyond the Jordan»?