Sunday School Lessons

OCTOBER 16, 2016 and OCTOBER 23, 2016

CITIES OF REFUGE

INTRODUCTION:

1. The Law of God requires that if man sheds man’s blood (in a murderous act), then by man shall the murderer’s blood by shed; not out of malice or hatred, but as a judicial duty.
2. The general tradition in eastern countries, as far back as recorded history takes us, was that the duty of avenging the blood of the slain fell to the nearest relative.
3. This being the case, and because men are prone to be guided too much by emotion rather than righteousness, provision needed to be made for those who unwittingly shed another man’s blood.
4. God had revealed to Moses that after the children of Israel were in the land, and their inheritances were allotted them; and after provision was made for the priestly tribe, six of the forty-eight cities that were given to the Levites were to be appointed for cities of refuge. (Num. 35:9-34)
a) Any manslayer, whether he had slain someone unwittingly or even on purpose, could take refuge in one of these cities until he could stand trial.
b) If he were found guilty of murder, then justice would be done. (Num. 35:16-19) If he had accidentally shed the blood of another, then he was protected from the avenger of blood permanently.

5. In these cities of refuge, we have another beautiful picture of Christ, who is the place of refuge for guilty sinners.
6. In our study of these cities of refuge we will be considering two passages of Scripture. First, in Numbers Chapter 35 we have the initiation of this divinely conceived provision, and why the appointment was necessary. Second, here in Joshua Chapter 20 we have, for the most part, the location and accessibility of the cities of refuge.
7. Each of these cities, considered individually, portrays certain aspects of Him who is our divinely appointed City of Refuge, but taken together they present a much fuller picture.

I. JOSHUA MUST SEE TO THE APPOINTMENT OF SIX CITIES OF REFUGE AS GOD HAD COMMANDED BY MOSES. (VERSES 1-6; NUM. 35:9-34)

A. THIS PROVISION WAS CONCEIVED AND ORDAINED BY THE LORD HIMSELF. (VERSE 2; NUM. 35:9-11)
1. Moses was the chosen mediator through whom God revealed this gracious plan, but God Himself was the Author of it. The same can be said of every statute and ordinance that is contained in what is often referred to as “The Law of Moses.” (Mal. 4:4)
2. So also with respect to the salvation provided for guilty sinners in Christ; it is God’s eternal plan of redemption that in the fullness of time was revealed and accomplished in the coming of Christ.

B. THE CITIES OF REFUGE WERE DESIGNED AND APPOINTED FOR GUILTY MANSLAYERS. (VERSE 3; NUM. 35:11, 12)
1. Whether or not the manslayer was actually guilty of murder, he was nonetheless in danger of losing his life at the hand of the avenger. Thus, God, in mercy, provided a place for him to flee for safety. If he had unwittingly taken the life of another, he would remain safe.
2. So it is with sinners who to Christ flee for refuge. But, in our case it is far better, for the refugee who flees to Christ does not merely enter into protective custody, as it were, awaiting the magistrates to determine his guilt or innocence. We are all guilty and divine justice demands our death. Those who flee to Christ find that He has already borne their guilt, and paid their debt with His own life’s blood.

C. THESE CITIES OF REFUGE WERE TO BE ENTERED IN HASTE. (VERSE 3; NUM. 35:15) “That the slayer…may flee thither.”
1. The person who had killed someone by accident had no time to argue his innocence. He must leave that work to the magistrates after he had entered the place of safety. His wisdom was to flee at once from the wrath of his avenger.
2. Many unsaved people seem to think that time is not of the essence with respect to their souls’ salvation. Often they want to argue their case, or in some other way, procrastinate, even though their days are numbered, and the avenger could overtake them at any moment. They are wise to heed the warning of Scripture, and “flee the wrath to come.”

D. THERE WAS SAFETY FOR THE MANSLAYER ONLY INSIDE THE GATE OF THE CITY. (VERSES 4, 5; NUM. 35:26-28)
1. The guilty could not go even to the outer gate post of the city without forfeiting his right of protection.
2. Those who come to Christ must abide in Him. (Compare Acts 27:30-31) Temporary faith will not do.
3. The slayer was to come to the gate where he would make his appeal to the magistrates, who would then admit him inside the gate.
a) To remain even at the gate would prove fatal.
b) How foolish was Abner who allowed Joab to avenge the blood of Ashael (Joab’s brother who was slain by Abner) while standing in the gate of Hebron. (II Sam. 3:27, 33)
c) Yet how much more foolish for souls to perish while having access to the Gospel and various means of grace. Paul said to his unbelieving Jewish brethren, “The Word is nigh thee.” (Rom. 10:8)

E. THESE CITIES WERE AN ABIDING PLACE FOR THE MANSLAYER. (VERSE 6; NUM. 35:25)
1. The refugee would remain in the city until his case was judged by the magistrates, and then (if he were found not to be guilty of murder) he would abide in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest.
2. Here the security of believers is clearly seen. Note the words, “until the death of the high priest.” Christ is our refuge and our High Priest, and He is alive forevermore. Since our High Priest cannot ever die, we are safe in Him forever.
3. Looking at the picture in another way we see how the death of Christ on the cross purchased our pardon. Notice, after the death of the high priest, the refugee could then return to the land of his possession. (Verse 6; Num. 35:25)
4. As Matthew Henry remarks, “The high priest was to be looked upon as so great a blessing to his country that when he died their sorrow on that occasion should swallow up all other resentments.”

II. THE CITIES OF REFUGE WERE SITUATED SO AS TO BE EASILY AND READILY ACCCESSIBLE FROM ANY PART OF THE LAND. (JOSH. 20:7-9)

A. THERE WERE THREE CITIES ON THE WEST SIDE OF JORDON SPACED EVENLY NORTH TO SOUTH. (VERSE 7)
1. Kedesh in Galilee was in the land of Naphtali in the northern region.
2. Shechen in the land of Ephraim was centrally located
3. Hebron, the former Kerjath-Arba was in the land of Judah to the south.

B. THERE WERE THREE CITIES ON THE EAST SIDE OF JORDAN SPACED EVENLY SOUTH TO NORTH. (VERSE 8)
1. Bezer was in the tribe of Reuben to the south.
2. Ramoth in Gilead was centrally located in the tribe of Gad.
3. Golan was in Bashan which was in the tribe of Manasseh to the north.

C. THE APPOINTED CITIES WERE SO SITUATED THAT THE MANSLAYER’S FLIGHT WAS NO MORE THAN A HALF DAY’S JOURNEY. (VERSE 9)
1. We see form this arrangement the gracious inclination of the heart of God, Who is plenteous in mercy, and takes no pleasure in the death of sinners.
2. In like manner, God has appointed a Savior for sinners, and He is a refuge at hand wherever the sinner might be in trouble. (Rom. 10:8-13) He is a very present help. (Psa. 46:1)
3. Christ is the sinner’s place of safety and shelter from the wrath of God. (Rom. 8:1)

III. THE NAMES OF THE CITIES OF REFUGE ARE VERY SIGNIFICANT.

A. KEDESH
1. Kedesh means a sacred place or sanctuary.
2. Christ is our sanctuary, our holy of holies, and He is our holiness. (I Cor. 1:30; II Cor. 5:21)

B. SHECHEN
1. Sechen means shoulder i.e. burden bearer.
2. Christ is our burden bearer. He has shouldered our sin burden, and He bears us up. (Matt. 11:28-30; I Pet. 5:7)

C. HEBRON
1. Hebron means fellowship.
2. The sinner has no fellowship with God apart from Christ. We are all aliens and strangers until we are brought nigh in Christ. (Eph. 2:12, 13; I John 1:1-3)

D. BEZER
1. Bezer means fortification, or a fortified city.
2. Christ is our Mighty Fortress; He is our Fortified City, where salvation is appointed for walls and bulwarks. (Isa. 26:1; Nahum 1:7; Psa. 91:2)

E. RAMOTH
1. Ramoth means height or exaltation.
2. Ramoth was the heights of Gilead. Christ is the heights of the universe.

a) He is exalted high above all principalities and powers, etc. (Phil. 2:9-11)
b) He is exalted to the heavenly places, at the Father’s right hand. (Eph. 1:19, 20), and we are seated in heavenly places in Him. (Eph. 2:6)

G. GOLAN
1. Golan means exultation, or joy.
2. Christ is our joy and rejoicing, in whom we rejoice always. (Rom. 5:11; Phil. 4:4; I Thess. 5:16)

CONCLUSION:

1. As the six cities of refuge individually and corporately picture Christ who is the one refuge for sinners, we can see a variety of reasons why we should immediately flee to Him. First and foremost, He is the only refuge from the wrath of God, but He is much, much more than a place of safety, for in Him we have life and that more abundantly. (John 10:10)
2. Only a fool, who, knowing the danger of his situation as a guilty sinner, living under God’s abiding wrath (John 3:36), would do as Abner did, and receive his sentence while standing at the gate of Hebron. Abner pictures every sinner who perishes in his sin, having been privileged to hear the Gospel message.

OCTOBER 2, 2016

SEVEN REMAINING TRIBES RECEIVE THEIR INHERITANCE

INTRODUCTION:

1. Five tribes had now received their inheritances: two and a half on either side of the Jordan River. There remained seven tribes, none of which had come forward to receive their allotments. Joshua, therefore, found it necessary to stir them up so that they might apply themselves to this important business.
2. There was another matter, however, that took precedent over the remaining seven divisions. The tabernacle was removed out of the midst of the camp at Gilgal and brought to Shiloh, where it would be set up for the last time.
3. Perhaps Joshua intended by this to signal the remaining seven tribes that it was time to break camp and move on to their place of permanent dwelling.

a) When the tabernacle, which was the very center of their camp, was gone, why should they desire to stay there any longer?
b) Christ is the center of our camp, and if He were not in our midst, our gatherings would be empty.
c) One day the Lord shall call His church away from this pilgrim life to be with Him forever in our permanent home.

I. THE SETTING UP OF THE TABERNACLE AT SHILOH. (VERSE 1)

A. DOUBTLESS, GOD HAD SOMEHOW REVEALED TO JOSHUA THAT SHILOH WAS THE PLACE WHERE HE WOULD HAVE THE TABERNACLE TO BE SET UP, THUS IT WAS MOVED FROM GILGAL TO SHILOH.

1. This would be its established place until a permanent house would be built at Jerusalem, and God had said that He would choose the place where He would make His name to dwell. (Deut. 12:5, 11)

a) This portable version of the temple had been set up and taken down many times, but Shiloh shall be its last site. The Ark itself, however, would be brought to Jerusalem in David’s time. (II Sam. 6)
b) It would afterward yield all of its furniture to the temple and the rest would be stored away. (I Kings 8:4)

2. This place was chosen because it was near the center of their land. It had been in the midst of their camp, now it shall be “the glory in the midst of them” as a nation. (Psa. 46:5)
3. Another possible reason for this choice may have been that Shiloh was a city within the territory of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged.

a) This would be for his honor and convenience.
b) It would be to the advantage of the nation to have it near him. “The testimony of Israel” and “the thrones of judgment” do well together. (Psa. 122:4, 5)

(1) There was no separation of church and state desired, at least not in the sense that present day separationists in our country insist upon.
(2) Israel learned, as have others, that the integration of God’s Law and civil government is a great blessing to a nation.

4. Shiloh was, of course, the name by which the Messiah was known in dying Jacob’s prophecy. (Gen. 49:10)

a) A prophecy no doubt well known to these Israelites.
b) The setting up of the tabernacle spoke to them of that Shiloh in whom all of the ordinances of that worldly sanctuary would have their accomplishments in a greater and more perfect tabernacle. (Heb. 9:1, 11)

5. It could be that the name Shiloh was given to the place because the tabernacle was put there, for the word means “peaceable.”

a) The temple was built at what was originally called Salem, which also means “peaceable.”
b) Solomon’s name has similar significance.
c) The true Tabernacle and Temple, Who is greater than Solomon, is our PEACEMAKER and our PEACE.

B. NOTICE THE SOLEMN MANNER IN WHICH THE TABERNACLE WAS MOVED.

1. The whole congregation assembled together.

a) To do honor to the Ark of God.
b) To bid it welcome to its settlement.
c) To testify their joy and satisfaction upon that occasion. (See II Sam. 6:15)

2. This was done in acknowledgment of God’s goodness to them in all of their successes over the Canaanites. “The land was subdued before them.”

C. HERE THE ARK OF GOD WOULD REMAIN FOR THREE HUNDRED YEARS, UNTIL THE SINS OF ELI’S HOUSE FORFEITED IT, AND RUINED SHILOH. (SEE I SAM. 4) THIS AWFUL LOSS WAS LONG AFTER USED AS A WARNING TO JERUSALEM. (JER. 7:12; PSA. 78:60)

II. THE REMAINING SEVEN TRIBES AT LAST RECEIVE THEIR INHERITANCE. (VERSES 2-10)

A. FIRST, IN VERSES 2 AND 3, JOSHUA HAD TO REPROVE THESE SEVEN TRIBES, AND STIR THEM UP TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER OF THEIR GOD-GIVEN INHERITANCE. “HOW LONG ARE YOU SLACK?”

1. They were assured an inheritance, yet they seemed to care little about it.
2. They seemed to be pleased to let things continue as they were, living in a body together, living off of the spoils that were taken.

a) Contentment is a duty, but it is also our duty to, by faith, lay hold of what God had promised.
b) They had a duty to their children and to obtaining an inheritance to pass on to them.

3. They were slothful and dilatory.

a) Although the prospects of having their own land pleased them, still they were slow to take possession.

(1) There were still battles to fight, land to clear and prepare, and cities to rebuild, etc.
(2) Constant consideration of the difficulties will certainly stifle ambition. (Eccl. 11:4)

4. Sadly, there are many professing Christians who reflect this same attitude.

a) Our Savior is heir of all things and His own are joint heirs with Him, yet with many professing Christians there can seem to be so little interest in the true inheritance compared to earthly and temporal things and relationships.
b) God, by His grace, has given us a title to a good land; the heavenly Canaan. Let us not be “slack to take possession.” We enter into its rest by faith, hope, and holy joy. Let us therefore live there by setting our affections on things above. (Col. 3:1, 2)

B. JOSHUA’S REPROOF WAS JUSTIFIED AND SENSIBLE, CONSIDERING THAT THEY HAD NOTHING TO GAIN BY THEIR DELY, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, THE ADDED COMPLICATIONS COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL.

1. The work would not become less, but greater, as they delayed to take possession.
2. The enemies would not grow weaker, but stronger, while they were waiting.

C. JOSHUA INSTRUCTED THEM IN EXACTLY WHAT THEY MUST DO. (VERSES 4-6, 8)

1. The land must be surveyed, and accounts taken of the cities and the territories belonging to them.
2. They were then to divide the remaining land into seven parts, as near equal as they could estimate the value.
3. He again explains why there would be seven parts and not eight. The Levites were to have to part. (Verse 7)

D. THEY WERE THEN TO BRING THEIR DISTRIBUTIONS TO HIM AND HE WOULD CAST LOTS FOR THEM BEFORE THE LORD. (VERSES 6-8)

E. THEY DID AS THEY WERE INSTRUCTED, AND JOSHUA DID AS HE PROMISED, AND THE LORD REVEALED THROUGH THE LOT HOW THE LAND WAS TO BE DIVIDED AMONG THE SEVEN REMAINING TRIBES. (VERSES 9, 10)

III. THE EXACT BORDERS AND LIMITS OF THESE SEVEN TRIBES ARE GIVEN. (CH. 18:11-19:48, 51)

IV. FINALLY WE HAVE JOSHUA’S OWN INHERITANCE REVEALED. (CH. 19:49, 50)

A. HE WAS THE LAST SERVED, THOUGH THE ELDEST AND GREATEST MAN IN ALL ISRAEL.

1. He saw that all were settled before himself. Here is a great example for all public officials.
2. He had refused to show favoritism to his own tribe. (Ch. 17:14-18)
3. When Caleb was granted his inheritance, Joshua still denied himself, though he and Caleb had very likely received the promise at the same time. (Ch. 14:9, 12; Ch. 19:50)

B. APPARENTLY, EVEN NOW HE DID NOT INITIATE THE IDEA, BUT RATHER, THE PEOPLE DID. (VERSE 49b)

C. HIS INHERITANCE WAS IN MOUNT EPHRAIM, FOR HE WAS AN EPHRIAMITE, AND HE THEREBY OWNED THEM AS HIS PEOPLE.

1. No preferment of honor could sever him from his roots.
2. Joshua no doubt considered it to be a great additional blessing that the tabernacle was set up in his own tribe of Ephraim.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2016

THE INHERITANCE OF JOSEPH’S SONS

INTRODUCTION:

1. Although the tribe of Levi received no inheritance, still the number of heirs remained twelve, because Jacob had taken Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to be his own, saying, “Ephraim and Manasseh…are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they are mine.” (Gen. 48:5) He had thus given them a blessing just as he did his natural born sons. (Gen. 48:9ff) In these two grandsons, Jacob had given to Joseph a double blessing. There were twelve heirs, but thirteen allotments, since the tribe of Manasseh was divided and had portions on either side of Jordan.
2. Here in Joshua Chapters 16, 17 we have the dividing to the sons of Joseph their inheritance. First Ephraim’s portion is given in Chapter 16. Then Manasseh’s two portions are given in Chapter 17.
3. With respect to Manasseh’s inheritance (Chapter 17) we are told of two very interesting incidents.

a) We see Joshua handling the case of Zelophehad’s daughters, who inherited in the stead of their father, who was dead. (Verses 3-6)
b) We have Joshua’s response to a complaint submitted by the sons of Joseph that their inheritance was too small for so great a people. (Verses 14-18)

4. The main focus of this lesson will be on these two interesting, as well as instructive stories which the historian was moved to included in the record of Joseph’s children.

I. THE WONDERFUL STORY OF ZELOPHEHAD’S DAUGHTERS. (VERSES 3-6 WITH
NUMBERS 27:1-5)

A. THIS BIT OF HISTORY HARKENS BACK TO ISRAEL’S WILDERNESS DAYS AND THE TIME OF MOSES, WHEN FIVE WOMEN DEMONSTRATED STRONG AND BOLD FAITH RESPECTING THE PROMISED INHERITANCE. (SEE NUM. 27:1-5)

1. They now, a decade or so later, are receiving the reward of their great venture of faith.
2. Though they were women, and we believe young, unmarried women, they provide an example of strong and exemplary faith. They are true role models for Christian young women to emulate. In fact, they are worthy examples for all Christians, regardless of age or gender.

a) They believed in God’s covenant promise at a time when many about them were unbelieving.
b) They believed in a Promised Land, and they wanted to have a share in it. All they had to stand on was the promise of God. They had not actually seen the land of promise but they believed the covenant promise. (Num. 18:19) Thus, they had, as it were, seen it through the eyes of faith.
c) Naysayers and doubters had not discouraged their faith. Many had essentially said, “You can have my part.” (Num. 13:31; Heb. 3:12-4:2)

3. The fact that the inheritance they desired had to be won by conquest did not prevent them.

a) Many a man could not say the same.
b) They could not fight, but they believed that God would fight for them.

B. THESE FIVE WOMEN HAD BROUGHT THE MATTER OF THEIR CONCERN STRAIGHT TO MOSES. (NUM. 27:1, 2) “Then came the daughters of Zelophehad…and they stood before Moses…”

1. They did not go complaining tent to tent but went straight to the mediator himself.
2. Moses took the matter to the Lord. “And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.” (Num. 27:5)
3. Their case may have seemed sort of weak, but Moses made it his personal concern, and became their representative before God.

a) If you are convinced that there is a heaven to gain and you earnestly want a part of it, then take your case to the great Mediator and He will bear it before the Father.
b) Notice the success of their endeavor. (Num. 27:6, 7; Josh. 17:3, 4)
c) Our case may seem very poor and hopeless but when the Savior makes our concern His concern, He’ll handle it and He will prevail!!

C. WHAT A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF GREAT FAITH IS FOUND IN THESE FIVE YOUNG WOMEN!

1. They were not pre-occupied with the vain things that charm most young minds.
2. They overcame all of the pulls that Satan directs at single young women, and remained pursuant of things good and worthy.
3. May we all, especially the young people (women and men), be inspired and encouraged by these young ladies.

II. THE PITIFUL COMPLAINT ISSUED BY JOSEPH’S CHILDREN. (VERSES 14-18)

A. TYPICAL OF HUMAN NATURE GENERALLY, THEY EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION OVER THE SIZE OF THEIR ALLOTMENTS. (VERSE 14)

1. In spite of the fact that what they had was theirs as a gift of God, they were not hesitant to complain about it.
2. They even based their complaint upon grace received. “…seeing I am a great people.”
3. Such complaints are too common even among believers, who see God’s gifts as their just desserts and also inferior to what others have been given.

B. PERHAPS BECAUSE JOSEPH WAS OF THE TRIBE OF EPHRAIM THEY WERE EMBOLDENED TO ASK FOR A LARGER LOT.

1. Had their complaint been legitimate Joshua would have most likely responded to it more sympathetically. However, he would not show special favor to them on the basis of kinship.
2. In reality, their portion was sufficient, even though they, being two tribes, thought they needed more land.
3. They thought they were showing disagreement with the manner in which Joshua divided the land, but sadly, their complaint was against God Whose will was revealed by the lot.
4. They sinned against Joshua in assuming that he would show family favoritism and against God by implying that the lot had slighted them.

C. THEY GAVE TWO REASONS FOR THEIR COMPLAINT. (VERSES 14, 16)

1. They were a very numerous people. (Verse 14)
2. A good part of the territory that had fallen to them was in the hands of the Canaanites, and they were a very formidable enemy. (Verse 16)

D. JOSHUA TURNED THEIR ARGUMENT AROUND TO GOAD THEM INTO ENLARGING THEIR INHERITANCE. (VERSES 15, 17, 18)

1. He said, “If you are a great people (a numerous people) then you will have no difficulty in finding plenty of able-bodied men to enlarge your producing land.” (Verse 15)
2. He argued, “If you are a great people then take the land that has fallen to you out of the hands of the Canaanites.” (Verses 17, 18)
3. Notice, having recognized a very familiar tactic of a complaining spirit, in that, they referred to their two territories as one lot, Joshua seems to have answered them with sarcasm, telling them how they might have more than “one lot only.”
4. How could they have witnessed all that had gone before in the conquests of the land and remained so faithless? (We could address this question to ourselves time and time again.)
5. They desired a lot in which they might indulge themselves in ease and luxury, but such would not be the case.

a) Joshua bids them work for more, (Verse 15) and fight for more. (Verses 17, 18)
b) We must learn that by faith we are to work and fight to extend our borders, and pray that God will continue to bless us with numerical growth. (Verse 14)
c) As a church we are to “lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes.”

6. Let us learn from Joseph’s children.

a) It is so foolish to complain of our lot when we have not made the best use of it. If we will not develop what we have, why should we be given more?
b) Our lot in life will improve as it is used well.
c) Great claims should be sustained by great achievement.
d) The best right to an inheritance is to have obtained it through the exertion of faith.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

ACHSAH’S REQUEST

INTRODUCTION:

1. In this and the two preceding chapters, the divine historian was moved to inject some particular events that add a great deal of excitement to what might otherwise have been rather tedious reading to even the most avid student of biblical history. Their importance notwithstanding, a continuous list of geographical boundaries and landmarks can become a bit wearisome, thus the Holy Spirit spices up the record considerably by adding certain pertinent and inspiring stories. For example, in Chapter 13 the account of Balaam’s death was inserted because of the obvious connection to how the two and a half tribes came to inherit the land of Midian. Then, again, in Chapter 14 we are given the inspiring story of “Caleb’s mountain” as a prelude to the allotment of Judah, which was his tribe.
2. In this chapter, as Joshua was marking out the borders of Judah’s inheritance we are treated to the story of Caleb’s daughter. The request that she made of her father clearly contains a very important lesson for us, since it is twice recorded in Scripture: once here, and again in exact detail in Judges 1:12-15.

I. ACHSAH, CALEB’S DAUGHTER, WHOSE HAND WAS WON IN MARRIAGE BY OTHNIEL, RECEIVED FROM HER FATHER AN INHERITANCE, WHICH SHE HOPED TO IMPROVE. (VERSES 13-19)

1. Notice all of this is predicated on the fact that Caleb was successful in driving out the Anakims and claiming Mount Hebron for his inheritance. (Ch. 14:12; Ch. 15:14)

2. Caleb had not believed the Lord in vain. He had at age 85 driven the fierce and giant-like sons of Anak out from his inheritance. Hebron was now his. (Verse 13)

3. Zealous not merely to gain his own portion, but also to see that this brethren received theirs, he set his sights on the city of Debir as well. He intended to take if from the Canaanites. (Verse 15; see also Ch. 10:39)

4. At the same time, he had a desire to see his daughter marry well; so combining the two interests, he made a proffer of her to the brave man that would win her hand. (Verse 16; Compare I Sam. 17:25)

a) Othniel, whose name means “lion of God,” accepted the challenge.
b) It may well be that Othniel had found favor with Caleb already, and the proffer was made with him in mind.

5. Achsah and her new husband, Othniel, would now make their home in the south land which she had received from her father, and hopefully, build it into a rich estate.

6. Hopeful to make her inheritance as rich and fruitful as it could possibly be, Achsah requested that her father add springs of water to that which he had already given.

a) She would not exist merely, but live and enjoy a goodly estate.
b) She would have her children to inherit something of value.

7. The problem was that her portion was a south land. It was hot and dry and without additional water it would not be nearly so fruitful.

8. Some might think that she was being greedy, since her father had already given her a sizeable inheritance.

a) Apparently Othniel thought so, since he declined to heed his new wife’s appeal when she asked him to speak to his father-in-law about it. (Verse 18)
b) She, however, did not think it an unreasonable request, for it was simply wishing to make the land more fruitful.
c) Nor did Caleb think it unreasonable, since he granted her request.

9. Our Heavenly Father will never think us greedy when we ask of Him that which will make our lives fruitful. (Luke 11:13; John 15:7)

a) The fact is, He tells us that in this mind we may “ask what we will.” Some would have this to mean that we can ask anything without exception, but, our flesh would ask for things that would hinder our fruitfulness, and God is too wise and loving to grant such requests.

b) Jesus said, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: How much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask of Him?” This is exactly what Achsah’s request pictures – that is, God the Father giving the Holy Spirit to His children so that they might live fruitful lives.

10. From this example we learn two things.
a) That we are to make our requests known to our Heavenly Father.
b) How we may expect to be received when we do.

II. NOTICE HER THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE MATTER BEFORE SHE WENT TO HER FATHER.

1. She saw what was needed, and went to him with a definite request. “Give me also springs of water.” Hosea instructs us when we pray, “Take with you words.” (Hos. 14:2)

a) She was not asking for ease, or that life be made effortless.
b) She was willing to work, but all of the word in the world would prove fruitless without this essential thing – water.

2. Othniel seems to have been reluctant to make such a request. Perhaps this even reflects a self-sufficient attitude.

a) Very brave and talented men like himself are often bashful about asking for things. (Especially from a father-in-law.)
b) But, no matter how skilled he was, he could not make dry land grow crops without water. ”It is not by power nor by might, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”

3. Achsah had one tremendous advantage. Caleb was her father.

a) Not just any woman could have expected such a request to be granted by this man.
b) Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father…”

4. Notice also how respectfully and humbly she approached her father. “She lighted from off her ass.” (Compare Gen. 24:64) This was a show of reverence. We may be bold in prayer, but never presumptuous or irreverent. Jesus, Who taught us to pray, “Our Father…” also taught us to pray, “Hallowed by thy name.”

III. NOTICE HOW ACHSAH WAS ENCOURAGED TO MAKE THIS REQUEST.

1. Othniel wasn’t much encouragement. Even those closest to us may at times be a discouragement to our faith rather than an encouragement.
2. Her father encouraged her to ask.

a) By a welcoming countenance, and a loving look.
b) By welcoming her plea, “What wilt thou?”

(1) He knew by the look on her face that she wanted something. (Fathers seem to have that ability.)
(2) She knew by his look and his voice that all was well.

c) Our Father already knows what we have need of before we ask, yet He tells us to ask. Fathers take pleasure in hearing their children ask, rather than to just take their gifts for granted.

IV. NOW, LOOK AT THE REQUEST ITSELF. “GIVE ME A BLESSING.”

1. It is mingled with gratitude and acknowledgment of previous blessings. “Thou hast given me a south land.”

a) Notice this was her grounds for asking. “For thou hast given…”
b) Let us make our Heavenly Father’s benevolence our basis for asking.

2. She was actually asking her father to finish what he had begun. “If the estate is to be fruitful, you must give water to go with the land that you have already given.”
3. Her prayer was not general, but specific. “…springs of water…”
4. Notice, she received form her bountiful father more than she had asked.

a) Springs in the high ground and also springs in the low ground.
b) Far from resenting her asking, her father gave her abundantly above what she had asked, just as our Heavenly Father delights to do for us. (Eph. 3:20, 21)

5. Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with “…upper springs and nether springs.”

a) He has given us both heavenly and earthly blessings.
b) He has blessed us in soul as well as body.
c) He has given us the life that now is (this earthly life), and also that which it so come (life in heaven). (I Tim. 4:8)
d) We have an Advocate before the heavenly throne (I John 2:1), plus we have the Holy Spirit abiding in us here below Who makes intercession for us. (Rom. 8:26)