Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Dividing the Promise: Inheritance by Faith

Section 1: Joshua 13 – Land Yet to Be Possessed

Overview:
As Joshua grows old, the Lord reminds him that much land still remains to be possessed. Though major victories have been won, the conquest is not fully complete. God instructs Joshua to divide the remaining land among the tribes as their inheritance. The chapter details the territories east of the Jordan given to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It also notes that the tribe of Levi receives no land inheritance, for the Lord Himself is their inheritance. This chapter teaches that God’s promises are certain, even when fulfillment unfolds progressively.

Theological Themes:

• God’s promises extend beyond immediate victories.
• Inheritance as a gift from the Lord.
• The Lord Himself as the ultimate inheritance (Levites).
• Faith required to possess what God has promised.

Key Verse:
Joshua 13:33 – “But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, just as he said to them.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does God tell Joshua there is still land to be possessed?
   Answer: To remind Israel that God’s promises require continued faith and obedience to fully inherit.
2. Why did the Levites receive no land inheritance?
   Answer: Because their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the priestly service He assigned them.
3. What spiritual lesson can we learn from “land yet to be possessed”?
   Answer: God’s promises often unfold over time; we must continue trusting and obeying Him.

Section 2: Joshua 14 – Caleb’s Faithful Inheritance

Overview:
Caleb, one of the original spies, approaches Joshua to claim the inheritance promised to him forty-five years earlier. Though now eighty-five years old, he declares that he is still strong and ready to drive out the Anakim from Hebron. Caleb’s faith had remained steady since his youth; he “wholly followed the Lord.” Joshua blesses him and grants Hebron as his inheritance. Caleb’s story stands as a testimony of perseverance, courage, and unwavering trust in God’s promise.

Theological Themes:

• Faith that endures over decades.
• Courage rooted in God’s promises.
• Reward for wholehearted obedience.

Key Verse:
Joshua 14:14 – “Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What made Caleb different from the other spies?
   Answer: He trusted God fully despite the giants in the land.
2. What does Caleb’s perseverance teach about long-term faithfulness?
   Answer: True faith does not fade with time but grows stronger through trust in God’s promises.
3. Why is Hebron significant in Caleb’s inheritance?
   Answer: It was once occupied by giants, demonstrating that faith conquers fear and opposition.

Section 3: Joshua 15:1–12 – The Boundaries of Judah

Overview:
This section outlines the extensive boundaries of the tribe of Judah, stretching from the southern desert to the Mediterranean Sea. The detailed geographic descriptions emphasize the tangible fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham. Judah’s territory is large and strategically significant, reflecting its future leadership role in Israel’s history. The precision of these boundaries reminds Israel that God’s promises are specific and reliable.

Theological Themes:

• The faithfulness of God in fulfilling covenant promises.
• The importance of inheritance within God’s redemptive plan.
• God’s sovereignty over nations and territories.

Key Verse:
Joshua 15:1 – “The lot for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their clans reached southward to the boundary of Edom.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why are the boundary details important in Scripture?
   Answer: They show that God fulfills His promises in real places and real history.
2. What does Judah’s large inheritance suggest about its future?
   Answer: It anticipates Judah’s leadership, ultimately leading to King David and the Messiah.
3. How does this passage strengthen confidence in God’s promises?
   Answer: It demonstrates that what God promised generations earlier is now concretely fulfilled.

Section 4: Joshua 15:13–19 – Caleb and Othniel

Overview:
Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel succeeds and becomes her husband. Achsah boldly asks her father for springs of water in addition to the land she received. Caleb grants both upper and lower springs. This brief account highlights initiative, courage, and blessing within God’s provision. It shows that faith not only claims promises but also seeks fullness of blessing within them.

Theological Themes:

• Courage in claiming God’s promises.
• Initiative within God’s provision.
• Generational faith and blessing.

Key Verse:
Joshua 15:19 – “And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Othniel’s victory demonstrate?
   Answer: Faith-filled action in response to opportunity brings blessing.
2. Why did Achsah request springs of water?
   Answer: She sought the resources needed to make her inheritance fruitful.
3. What spiritual principle can we draw from this story?
   Answer: We should boldly seek the fullness of God’s provision for fruitful living.

Section 5: Joshua 15:20–63 – Cities of Judah and Remaining Challenges

Overview:
The chapter concludes with a detailed list of Judah’s cities, showing the breadth of their inheritance. Yet one statement stands out: Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. Despite great victories, incomplete obedience leaves lingering opposition. This tension foreshadows future struggles but also points toward God’s ongoing redemptive plan through Judah’s line.

Theological Themes:

• The reality of incomplete obedience.
• Ongoing spiritual battles despite victory.
• God’s purposes continue even amid human weakness.

Key Verse:
Joshua 15:63 – “But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is it significant that Judah could not fully drive out the Jebusites?
   Answer: It reveals that partial obedience leaves ongoing struggles and future conflict.
2. What does this teach about spiritual warfare today?
   Answer: Even after victory, believers must remain vigilant and obedient.
3. How does this unfinished task fit into God’s larger plan?
   Answer: God’s redemptive story continues despite human weakness, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.