The Bible Says
Judges 1:11-15 Meaning

Judges 1:11-15 continues to detail Judah’s war efforts, Then from there he (the tribe of Judah) went against the inhabitants of Debir (now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher) (v 11). Debir , previously called Kiriath-sepher, was a notable Canaanite city (Joshua 10; 1 Chronicles 6:58). The renaming of the city signifies its transition to Israelite control, similar to other conquered cities in the region (Judges 1:10).

And Caleb said, “The one who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will even give him my daughter Achsah for a wife” (v 12). Caleb incentivizes the capture of Kiriath-sepher by offering his daughter Achsah in marriage to the victor. The practice of giving one’s daughter in marriage in return for a great service or gift is common in this period and is seen throughout Scripture (Genesis 29:18-19; Exodus 2:19-21; 1 Samuel 18:17).

It should be noted that Caleb was one of the two faithful spies who trusted in God’s promise to deliver Canaan into Israel’s hands (Numbers 13-14). This offer demonstrates Caleb's commitment to the conquest and his desire to see the land fully possessed by the Israelites.

“Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah for a wife” (v 13). Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, rises to the challenge and captures Kiriath-sepher. This act of bravery not only secures him Caleb’s daughter as his wife but also establishes him as a leader among the Israelites. Othniel’s significance grows as he later becomes Israel’s first judge, delivering the Israelites from her enemies (Judges 3:9-11). These two men, Caleb and Othniel, are diligently living in obedience to God’s command. They are faithful to God’s will that the Israelites conquer the Canaanites.

This marriage between Othniel and Achsah is a marriage of cousins. This kind of union was very common throughout human history, and is almost never made much light of in Scripture (Genesis 20:12, 24, 29; Exodus 6:20). The sexual relations which God prohibits amongst family in Leviticus 18 does not include cousins.

Verse 14 provides more detail concerning Caleb’s daughter, Achsah. “Then it came about when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. Then she alighted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”” (v 14).

Achsah, now married to Othniel, shows initiative and wisdom by seeking additional resources. Understanding the importance of fertile land, she persuades her husband to request more land from her father. Achsah’s proactive approach shows just how vital it was for her to secure a sustainable future for their new family.

Achsah backs up her request for additional land in verse 15: She said to him, “Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs (v 15).

Achsah’s request for springs of water is shrewd and practical. The Negev  is a dry region, and access to water is crucial for cultivation and survival. By asking for water sources, Achsah ensures the productivity and fertility of her land. Caleb’s positive response, granting her both the upper and lower springs, demonstrates his care and provision for his daughter’s well-being.

In the actions of Caleb, Othniel, and Achsah collectively, we see beginnings of the Israelite society settling down in its newly conquered regions, becoming established and planning for future development and prosperity.