Tucked away neatly within two places in scripture (Joshua and Judges) we are introduced to a character that seldom receives much spotlight. Perhaps it is due to the slow progress of land allotments discussed in Joshua 15 or perhaps overshadowed by the gory events that occur to Adonibezek in Judges 1. However, a closer look at the two verses in Joshua reveal to us a woman that we ought to emulate.
Similar to the challenge cast by King Saul when faced with Goliath (I Sam. 17:25), Caleb casts a challenge to the tribal warriors of Israel that, “he that smiteth Kirjathsepher*, and taketh it, to him will I give Akhsa my daughter to wife” (Jos. 15:16). This challenge, immediately following Caleb’s usurpation of the children of Anak, is immediately seized upon by his very own brother, Othniel**.
Othniel succeeds and, true to his word, Akhsa is given to Othniel as a reward for overcoming and taking Kirjathsepher. Suddenly, in a mere two verses, we are thrust into a brief narrative that comes and goes so quickly one could easily miss it!
Joshua 15:18-19 (KJV)
18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? 19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
Jumbled together in these two verses are two requests. First, Akhsa asks her new husband to ask Caleb for a field. In reality, the word “moved” is more accurately translated as “enticed or allured.” To put it simply, she put on all her womanly charms and moved her husband to ask for a field. What field? We are unsure, but we can safely assume that Debir may not have had much in the way of agriculture.
It would seem, without us finding reference, that this field was given to them via the south land mentioned in vs. 19. However, Akhsa is just getting started! She has a city and a field but now she wants to ensure that both prosper via access to water. Thus, coming to visit her father she leaps of her donkey in midstride upon seeing him. Caleb, seeing the intensity of his daughters approach asks her, “what wouldest thou?” In other words, “what do you want?”
Without pause, not even giving a moment to thank her father for the south land they had received through his generous response to Othniel’s request for a field, she demands, “give me a blessing!” This is where the English translation misses the emphasis being made by Akhsa. Requesting a blessing (special favor), she declares, “for thou hast given me a south land!” The word translated “south” in our English translations is actually “negev” in Hebrew which means “parched.” Consider with me an important lesson about being specific when you ask something of your father! Akhsa is basically telling her father, “Dad, I appreciate the field you gave us but the field is barren!”
Let me pause right here and insert a preaching point. Perhaps the field you’ve been given is barren as well! Well, what are you going to do about it? I hope you take the approach of Akhsa!
Akhsa, responding to her father’s question of “what do you want,” declares, “Give me springs of water!” Guess what? No questions asked and no indigination on Caleb’s part, he gives his daughter a double blessing. Yes, not only does he give her the upper springs but he also gives her the lower springs. What does this mean for that barren field? It means that, instead of merely bringing water into the barren field, now the field will be caught in the middle of a flow that comes from the upper spring and connects to the lower spring. Caleb gives her access to a continual flow! Her’s and Othniel’s field will be the envy of everyone around!
How did this happen? One woman wasn’t content with just a conquered city, but she pressed for a field. However, she wasn’t content with just any old field. She wanted a prosperous field and the only way to secure such a field was to make haste to her father’s house and ask him for a blessing.
What would happen if you were to go, right this very moment, into a closet of prayer and make such a request of your heavenly Father? Do you think he will chasten you? Rebuke you? Laugh at you? No! You receive not because you ask not (James 4:2). Remember, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7). Fear not, little flock! Why? “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
*Kirjathsepher means “city of the book.” Some scholars wonder if this city was known for having a library.
**This is the same Othniel that would become the first Judge of Israel (Jdg. 3:9). Many are confused as the to the relationship of Othniel and Caleb. See Judges 14:6.