Joshua 14 9

Joshua 14:9 kjv

And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

Joshua 14:9 nkjv

So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.'

Joshua 14:9 niv

So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'

Joshua 14:9 esv

And Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.'

Joshua 14:9 nlt

So that day Moses solemnly promised me, 'The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.'

Joshua 14 verses

Joshua 14 9 Meaning

Joshua 14:9 recounts Moses' solemn oath to Caleb. It declares that the specific land Caleb explored and stood upon would forever be his inheritance and his descendants' possession. This divine promise was given directly because of Caleb's unwavering, full, and courageous faithfulness in following the Lᴏʀᴅ his God, despite the fear and unbelief of the other Israelite spies.

Joshua 14 9 Context

Joshua 14:9 is set during the allotment of the land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel, specifically leading into Caleb's request for Hebron. The chapter highlights Caleb's persistent faith and strength, even at the age of eighty-five. The historical context roots back to the initial spying out of Canaan from Numbers 13-14. Out of the twelve spies sent, only Joshua and Caleb gave a positive report, urging the Israelites to trust God's promise to conquer the land. The other ten spies instilled fear and discouragement, leading to the rebellion of the assembly and God's judgment: all the rebellious generation above twenty years old were condemned to die in the wilderness, except for Caleb and Joshua, precisely "because you have followed the Lᴏʀᴅ my God wholeheartedly." Moses' oath, recounted here in Joshua 14:9, is the specific promise made to Caleb during that time of widespread unbelief, setting him apart for his fidelity and demonstrating God's particular blessing for undivided devotion. This promise ensured that Caleb, unlike the unfaithful generation, would not only enter the promised land but would also inherit a specific portion of it.

Joshua 14 9 Word analysis

• So Moses swore (וַיִּשָּׁבַע מֹשֶׁה – vayyishshava Moshe): This is a formal, binding oath, not merely a promise. In the ancient Near East, an oath invoked divine witness and potential curse for breach. Moses, acting as God's representative, bestows this oath with divine authority, highlighting the seriousness and unchangeable nature of the promise to Caleb.

• on that day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא – bayyom hahu): Refers specifically to the time of the spies' return from Numbers 14, marking a precise historical moment when Israel's fate was sealed due to their unbelief, yet Caleb's inheritance was divinely secured. It underlines the immediate consequence of Caleb's distinctive action.

• ‘Surely (אִם־לֹא – im-lo): Literally "If not..." This is a strong emphatic particle often used in oaths, implying a conditional negative that makes the assertion exceptionally strong. It can be translated as "Truly," "Indeed," or "I swear that..." reinforcing the certainty of the statement.

• the land on which your foot has walked (הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר דָּרְכָה רַגְלְךָ – ha'aretz asher darchah raglecha): This vivid, concrete imagery directly links Caleb's physical presence and courageous reconnaissance mission with the promised inheritance. It’s a direct consequence, emphasizing that his faithful action (walking, surveying) in reliance on God led to the promised reward (this specific land). It suggests God remembers the details of our obedience.

• will be an inheritance (יִהְיֶה לְךָ לְנַחֲלָה – yihyeh lecha lenachalah):

  • inheritance (נַחֲלָה – nachalah): More than just a possession; it implies a permanent, allotted portion, often passed down through generations. In the Bible, Israel's land is a divine nachalah given by God, not merely conquered. This highlights its sacred, God-ordained nature. It is a gift based on promise, not earning.

• for you and for your children forever (וְלִבְנֵיךָ עַד עוֹלָם – veli'vneikha ad olam): Emphasizes the perpetual nature of the blessing. It extends beyond Caleb's lifetime, ensuring generational blessing and permanence of the promise for his lineage. It highlights God's enduring faithfulness.

• because you have followed the Lᴏʀᴅ my God wholeheartedly (כִּי מִלֵּאתָ אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי – ki mille’ta acharei Yahweh Elohai):

  • because (כִּי – ki): Identifies the reason for the blessing. This verse establishes a direct causal link between Caleb's specific action/attitude and God's extraordinary favor.
  • followed... wholeheartedly (מִלֵּאתָ אַחֲרֵי – mille’ta acharei): This phrase is critical. Mille' (מלא) literally means "to fill" or "to be full." Thus, "filled after the Lᴏʀᴅ" signifies a complete, full, unreserved, and unwavering pursuit of God's will and purpose. It indicates wholehearted commitment, undivided loyalty, and courageous trust in the face of immense opposition or fear. It contrasts sharply with the wavering and half-hearted obedience of others. It denotes a person whose heart is completely engaged with God's plans.
  • Lᴏʀᴅ my God (יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי – Yahweh Elohai): The use of YHVH (the personal, covenantal name of God) alongside "my God" (Elohai) suggests Caleb's deep, personal relationship with God. It indicates a intimate, proprietary devotion that fuels his complete trust and obedience. This is not mere religious observance but a lived relationship.

• Words-group analysis:

  • Moses swore on that day: This phrase ties the oath firmly to a specific, well-remembered historical event (the wilderness rebellion due to the spies' report), amplifying the weight and truthfulness of the promise to Caleb. It validates Caleb's account from divine authority.
  • the land on which your foot has walked will be an inheritance for you and for your children forever: This highlights the immediate and tangible reward of faithfulness, linking personal action directly to lasting legacy. It underscores God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises based on righteous deeds and intentions. The land symbolizes God's tangible blessing for loyalty.
  • because you have followed the Lᴏʀᴅ my God wholeheartedly: This phrase encapsulates the core theological principle. It is the defining reason for Caleb's unique blessing, contrasting with the disobedient majority. It signifies radical obedience driven by trust, a central theme throughout the Bible for receiving God's favor and fulfilling His purposes. It defines true devotion as undivided, complete commitment.

Joshua 14 9 Bonus section

Caleb’s unique standing as one of only two individuals (the other being Joshua) from the initial exodus generation permitted to enter and inherit the Promised Land, showcases a crucial aspect of divine justice and grace. God is just to punish unbelief and rebellion (as seen with the rest of the generation), but equally just and gracious to reward sincere, uncompromised faithfulness. The promise to Caleb was not simply a land grant; it was a reaffirmation of God's character and covenant faithfulness to those who remain loyal. This highlights a dynamic theology where personal piety and covenant adherence are intertwined with tangible blessings. Caleb at 85 still felt strong enough to conquer the mountainous region (Josh 14:12), which was then occupied by Anakim, giants dreaded by the other spies. This demonstrated that his spiritual strength was translated into physical vitality, further evidencing God's power working through a fully devoted servant. The phrase "followed the Lᴏʀᴅ my God wholeheartedly" became a recurring biblical motif to describe truly devout individuals, especially David (e.g., 1 Kgs 11:4; 1 Kgs 15:3), serving as a standard of genuine spiritual commitment.

Joshua 14 9 Commentary

Joshua 14:9 is a pivotal verse, serving as a powerful testament to the principle that unreserved faithfulness to God leads to definite, tangible, and generational blessing. Moses’ oath to Caleb underscores God’s commitment to His promises when met with wholehearted obedience. Caleb’s distinction came not from mere observance, but from an inner posture of absolute trust and courage in God's power, even when faced with overwhelming opposition and the consensus of fear. He literally "filled up after" God, pursuing God's will with every fiber of his being. This verse sets Caleb apart as an exemplary figure, highlighting that while a generation fell in the wilderness due to unbelief, Caleb secured his promised inheritance precisely because of his unwavering fidelity. It reveals a God who not only punishes disobedience but also meticulously remembers and rewards radical faith. Caleb's story encourages believers that our devotion and courage in pursuing God's way, even when difficult, will not go unnoticed and will yield promised blessings that can extend far beyond our own lives to future generations. For instance, in our own lives, maintaining integrity and spiritual diligence, such as persistently sharing the Gospel despite ridicule or consistently giving financially to the church despite personal need, exemplifies a "wholehearted following" that God honors with His provision and blessings, often manifested in unexpected ways in our own or our family's lives.