Many women are obscured in scripture. We hardly hear messages about them and you might never hear about them unless you read your Bible. A consistent Bible reading lifestyle will introduce you to the different characters whose stories became part of God’s bigger story. Their lives give us lessons to learn and sins to avoid. Who is Caleb and who was his daughter? Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to review the cities God had promised the Israelites. Out of the twelve, only Caleb and Joshua brought a good report and were certain that God will give them the lands. As a result God gave Caleb and Joshua inheritance on the promised land (Numbers 13,14; Joshua 14). When Caleb received his inheritance, the enemies were still living on the land, so Caleb (who was then 80 years old) organized his troops and went to the land to take over. “In accordance with the Lord’s command to him, Joshua gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion in Judah—Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher).” (Joshua 15:13-15). Let’s return to our main person, Aksah (also spelled Achsah in KJV). And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. (Joshua 15:16, 19) The cities were defeated by Caleb but there were still more lands to be occupied. “And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” (Joshua 15:16). Aksah was the trophy for the bravest warrior. “Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.” (Joshua 15:17). Aksah became the wife of Othniel and they were given lands in the Negev (Joshua 15:19). Aksah and Othniel became landowners and you would expect them to be comfortable with what they were given. Aksah was not just comfortable with the land that was given to them. She wanted a spring of water as well. Living in a culture where land ownership was the prerogative of males, and women who get to inherit their father’s lands are bound to marry from the same family (Joshua 17), Aksah like Zelophehad’s daughters shifted the status quo. Joshua 15:18-19 states that, “One day when she [Aksah] came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?” She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.” Aksah’s request was not denied. She received double of what she requested for. Sometimes, we feel that we are asking for too much from God. Have we not received enough already? Why do we still ask? The truth is God does not complain when we ask so why should we get weary of asking? Aksah had lands in the Negev and she wanted springs of water. If we were with Aksah, some of us might have discouraged her from asking for the springs of water. We would have reminded her of how blessed she was to have the lands in the Negev. But Aksah was not satisfied with the lands, she wanted more. Wanting more opportunities, more blessings, more open doors etc. doesn’t mean you are greedy. We only become greedy when our intentions are steered wrongly. If God gives me my dream job, I should not be afraid to pray for and work towards my dream position. If you get your dream spouse, you should still desire for a fulfilling and happy home. We are made for more. Aksah was not moved by the patriarchy of her day. She wanted more and she asked for it. We are not made to settle for less. Jesus told His disciples, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8). We have 365 blank slates to fill up. What is your desire? What do you need? Is anything too hard for the Lord?
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