Tuesday: The Power of Example
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 18th of November 2025
Read Joshua 15:16-19, Judges 1:13, and Judges 3:7-11. What does this story tell you about the power of example? How is Caleb’s attitude being reproduced in the younger generation?
In this passage, Caleb offers his daughter, Achsah, in marriage to the one who conquers Debir. Othniel captures the city and wins the hand of Achsah. This story is important because, once again, it reveals Caleb’s courage, faith, and readiness to take on challenges.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
It also shows that the next generation of Israelites followed the example of these giants of faith, Caleb and Joshua. As the older generation closes their ministry, there is a new generation ready to face the challenges and continue to fulfill God’s plan for Israel.
In a way that is not unlike Caleb’s request to Joshua, “Give me this hill country,” Achsah, encouraged by her husband, displays the same faith and resolution that her father demonstrated. Through her determination and boldness, Achsah continues the line of Caleb’s example of the fulfillment of the promise to possess the land.
Indeed, the land is a gift from Yahweh to Israel, but Israel must appropriate it by claiming the promises of the Lord with faith and courage. Achsah’s determination foreshadows the perseverance of those women in the Gospels who would not be turned away by the crowd or the disciples and would not give up until they received Jesus’ blessing for themselves and their families.
Read Luke 18:1-5. What lesson is here for us?
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Passing on the torch of faith to the next generation is crucial to the fulfillment of the mission God has entrusted to us. Think about the challenges of passing on faith to the next generation, on the one hand, and about the opportunities for young people to assume more responsibility in the work of God, on the other. What can we do to facilitate and train youth to assume godly leadership? How crucial is our example in this process? |
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I cannot even imagine the furore I would have caused if I had offered my daughter as the prize for my students to become the top gun programmer in my computing class. My daughter would have laughed loudly, totally convinced that I was joking, and my students, being the nerds that they were, would have hardly noticed. That Caleb offered his daughter, Achsah, as the prize for whoever could take the city, Debir, shows a cultural divide that few of us can comprehend. (However, I should point out that through much of history, marriages between the families of the rulers were often used as bargaining chips in alliances between nations. Equality of men and women is relatively recent.)
I know this is not the point that the lesson author brings out, but I think we need to recognise that God was working in and through a culture that is very different to our modern Seventh-day Adventist culture. The Israelites were fighting and killing; they were bargaining with people’s lives. They were nation-building. Much of what we read in the book of Joshua is what we would deem unacceptable in our modern Christian worldview. Were the Israelites people of faith?
We need to understand that God works with people where they are at. That makes for some hard reading when we read parts of the Old Testament like Joshua and Judges. We are not reading about proto-Seventh-day Adventists. We are reading about God working with people who are very different to us.
We should remember that while we are comfortable with our own modern ideas about our Seventh-day Adventist culture, we too have a lot to learn. That should keep us both humble and tolerant toward others who think and act differently to us now.
We must understand the Bible, especially the Old Testament, in its historical and cultural context. God worked with people in ways shaped by their culture, which can seem very different from our modern moral and religious standards.
It reminds us that faith and obedience to God can look very different depending on time, place, and culture.
Yet, God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. That should say something to context and principle as the pillars that guide how God works with each generation and group of people to accomplish His will, the salvation of all.
God hasn't changed. He works the same,he keeps his promise. It's men who are changing
I agree that we need to be careful in upholding all details of the Achsah story.
That being said, reading the Bible closely shows that Israelite women had more agency than we might realize. After all, when Zelophahad's daughters asked for their rights, God actually said they could marry whomever they chose as long as the men came from their tribe (see Numbers 36). I also remember that Rebekah had a choice to go with Isaac or not. There might be other examples, but no time to think of them right now.
Could it be possible that Achsah agreed with the arrangement prior to Caleb presenting it? She would know that the man who won her would be brave and probably godly too. In a world of arranged marriages, that probably wouldn't be the worst thing. Given that she is quite forthright with her father later, I feel she would not have had trouble expressing her marriage wishes.
Hello Maurice,
I greatly appreciate the insight on each of these lessons that you provide and highly value your knowledge.
I only respond to posts when I seek clarification on what is being stated.
As God was the leader of this collective people at that time any acts ordered by God, or deemed acceptable by God, are fully justified, and as such, don't constitute "hard reading". The "fighting and killing" were in obedience to God (in the instances when they obeyed his commands that is). As that is the case, what "hard reading" is there? Unless you refer to the many times the Israelites failed in obedience. If so, that would be not be a cultural issue different from our modern SDA culture.
I truly am wondering if you could just provide some texts if you haven't the time to respond and I can peruse them myself for study.
Much appreciated.
Stephenson
Unfortunately Calab and Joshua's example 40 years prior to this week's lesson did not have much sway with the majority of the Israelites. Fast forward to this week's lesson, the example's sinking in with positive action can also be attributed to the parents of this new generation of Israelites who by learning the hard way saw to it to train their offspring in the way of the Lord.
What comes out clear is that faith doesn’t merely claim the promise, faith steps forward with courage to secure it, and generosity flows from the heart that trusts God’s abundance(Joshua 15:16–19; Judges 1:12–15).Caleb’s determination and faith are evident not only in his own boldness to claim the hill country promised by God (Joshua 14:12), but also in the way he entrusted his daughter’s future to a man who would demonstrate the same courageous faith. By offering Achsah in marriage to the one who would conquer Kiriath-sepher (Joshua 15:16), Caleb was not acting recklessly, but confidently in faith believing that the God who had strengthened him to stand firm among the fearful spies (Numbers 13:30) would also raise up a worthy, God-fearing warrior to join their family. Othniel’s victory confirmed this trust, showing that courage rooted in obedience to God brings honourable reward.
Yet Caleb’s faith did not end with military conquest; it overflowed into generous provision for the next generation. When Achsah wisely asked for springs to make the land fruitful (Joshua 15:18–19), Caleb responded not with reluctance but with abundance—giving her both upper and lower springs. This mirrors the character of God, “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Caleb’s actions reveal a heart aligned with God’s own generosity, determined faith in God’s promises leads to generous blessing for others, especially for those entrusted to our care.
What a model for passing on the baton to the next generation. Caleb's actions were not different from those of Joseph. He first tested the integrity of his brothers before revealing himself to them and generously inviting them to share in the abundance that was in Egypt at the time. God also calls us to show ourselves worthy of the gifts and talents He has given us by courageously stepping out to use them for His glory Mathew 25:14-30 NKJV.
Thank you for your message today: "Caleb responded not with reluctance but with abundance—giving her both upper and lower springs. This mirrors the character of God, “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20)." Your message touched my heart.
For me, it's not ALL about getting God's promises (however, it is nice to receive His daily blessings); it's ALL about mirroring the character of God, so that we can be a Blessing to others.
thank you for bringing this perspective to the story...
In this study, there is this mention:
Pardon me for asking this, but I am struggling with this paragraph a little because:
1. Reading through Joshua 15:18 and Judges 1:14, I see Achsah doing the encouraging and not the husband. Verse 18 says, "...when she came to him, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field..."
2. At the same time, Achsah talks about asking for a field, but in her request, she asks for a spring - and is given two springs - because she already had a field.
Maybe there is something I may not see, but I feel this part is more about a relation between a daughter and a father or getting a suitor, Othniel, for a daughter. The part that Othniel is actually Caleb's nephew puts more emphasis on this school of thought. Again, maybe there's something I am missing.
I believe Othniel was Caleb's brother, therefore Othniel married his niece..So Othniel then became his brother's son-in-law..
Now this was over 3500 years ago and the human genome wasn't as degraded as it is today so the risk of two recessive genes combining would be less.
Thoughts??
It seems an uncle-niece marriage was allowed under ancient Israel's laws. Similar relationship as Amram (nephew) and Jochebed (aunt). (See Ex. 6:20)
Edmund - to clarify - Othniel is the son of Kenaz who is the brother of Caleb. The son of Kanaz, Othniel married the daughter of Caleb. Yes, they were nephew and niece to each other. He is not his brother's son-in-law.
Caleb's father was Jephunneh according to Numbers and other passages though there are so many Caleb's in I Chronicles that it's hard to be sure. Are they all the same Caleb? I don't know.
I took it that Othniel was the son of Caleb's brother and so his nephew. This would make Achsah and Othniel cousins. Marriage between cousins has always been fairly common. If Othniel was a brother, he is likely a half-brother but it seems unlikely to me since sharing the same mother and different fathers did not happen too much in ancient times. Women have a limited period of fertility and so widows were much less likely to remarry and have children.
The Andrews Bible commentary also calls Othniel a nephew and I think that's much more likely.
The confusion is because of different conflicting Bible translations, I think. For example, the Today's English Version (also called Good News Bible) says, "Othniel urged her to ask her father for a field..." Whereas, the NKJV says, "...she persuaded him to ask her father for a field" (Josh. 15:18 NKJV). Two different accounts.
As for the relationship between Caleb and Othniel, my commentary says that Othniel was the son of Caleb's younger brother....so it was an uncle/nephew relationship.
You are correct, Mr. Stanley. Not that it really matters, but Othniel and Achsah were cousins.
"Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother." Judges 3:9.
And it was very impressive that Othniel became one of Isreal's Judges for 40 years (the number 40 has great significance in the Word of God, but that's another topic).
But before I start rambling: Othniel was Caleb's nephew.
Be blessed everyone!!
Kenaz was father to Caleb and Othniel. So Caleb's brother married Caleb's daughter. The son of Othniel would have been Achsah's cousin. Othniel himself was her uncle.
That is an uncle-niece relationship that was allowed in those early times. There are good reasons why this is no longer allowed.
I agree with Inge; Othniel and Caleb were brothers. Marrying a niece (your brother's daughter) is closer genetically than marrying a 1st cousin (your uncles daughter). So I think it is relevant.
Caleb was the son of Jephunneh. Therefore Othniel and Caleb must have been step-brothers.
Because Judges 3:11 says "...and Othniel the son of Kenaz died." They had the same mother but different fathers.
The Talmud argues that Othniel was Caleb's brother.
It's somewhat of a puzzle but I do find it interesting and relevant.
Check out this website which expresses the logic much better than I could.
https://www.wordforwordbiblecomic.com/blog/my-biblical-analysis-must-boldly-go-where-no-man-has-gone-before
Given that Othniel could be no more than 19 years old when the years of wandering began (as only Joshua and Caleb entered of those over 20) and Caleb was 40 at that time, there is a huge difference in age between Caleb and Othniel (minimum 20 years). I think it's more likely he's even younger as a 60+ year old man is unlikely to be single all those years. Also, Othniel served as a judge in the years after Joshua so unless he lived far longer than Moses, Joshua etc (possible but not likely) he must have been younger than 65 when Caleb gives him his daughter. Certainly the theory that Caleb and Othniel share mothers seems virtually impossible.
The Kenizzites seem to be more of a clan than an actual person and calling Othniel the son of Keniz seems more likely to indicate this. Both Othniel and Caleb belonged to the same clan. How closely were they related? They could have been connected through a common relative (ie. Caleb and Othniel's father), but it's possible they were just relatives of some sort. Keep in mind the Bible is not rigid about the use of sons, brothers etc. There can be gaps in lists and people listed as brother who are actually just close family members.
Leviticus 20:20 also forbids a man sleeping with his aunt. That doesn't mean that the other way (niece with uncle) is forbidden but I think it's safe to say in principle this would be so. Amram and Jochabed lived long before this time so their situation is no more relevant than Sarah and Abraham (brothers and sisters is also clearly forbidden in Leviticus).
I respect the Talmud as an interesting source of information but it is NOT inspired and it was written many years after the Torah books. I am not going to use it to establish this issue.
I cannot see any other option than Othniel being Caleb's nephew or even a cousin. And as I said earlier, cousins marrying was very standard.
Thank you, Christina, for your research.
It reminds me to look further than the immediate text to understand a troubling passage. (I didn't check enough cross references.)
It also reminds me that I shouldn't put too much stock in authoritative statements by "scholars." 😉
We also need to be less confident that "we know the answer" about genealogical relationships, because biblical genealogy isn't recorded quite the same way genealogy is recorded today.
It was interesting to follow your research on this topic, and the author on the website you referenced is also to be commended on his research.
It says many times that Caleb was the son of Jephunneh. I think Kenaz was Caleb's brother.
It is also possible that Keniz was a sort of adopted father (much like Joseph being in Mary's geneology in Luke 3) but if that is the case, there is actually no close blood relationship at all.
Sharing fathers in the Bible with different mothers is very common. Sharing a mother with different fathers is much less likely. I can't think of one example. Women did not have multiple husbands and obviously their life would be in danger if they engaged in immorality and conceived children that way. The only possibility would be if they were widowed but it would have to be young. Women really have a 20-25 year window to have children. It could have been longer in Joshua's time, but the life expectancies were similar to ours, so I doubt it. Once a woman was no longer able to bear children there would be little possibility for her to marry. That is why widows have always been so vulnerable.
Caleb was always represented as the son of Jephunneh, never the son of Kenaz. Kenaz is presented as Caleb’s younger brother and as Othniel’s father (Josh 15:17; Judg 1:13; 3:9,11; 1 Chr 4:13). Thus Achsah and Othniel were cousins accordingly. Caleb did have a grandson named Kenaz (1 Chron 4:15).
Even the author of our quarter’s, Dr. Barna Magyarosi, said that "we are not sure if this (Othniel) is Caleb's nephew or half-brother. It doesn't really matter...", see the It-Is-Written video for this week's lesson.
What does matter is the Othniel's character? What does matter is how Othniel's stepped up and took on Caleb's request? No one had to ask him to do that; he decided to do it. And I can imagine (my opinion only) that he probably has some kind of affection for Achsah, as a motivation to do the task as well, but I'm not certain about that.
We have to remember that we will only take our characters with us to Heaven. Let's pray that God's Holy Spirit transforms our character into the Character of Jesus Christ.
God's blessing to you all.
It is never too late to start making a positive change. Although we may carry "monsters" from the past, we can never go back in time! Today is what matters; today represents our chance to make it better.
Exactly, Stanley Tavako. Your explanation is right Achsah did the request herself.
The lesson points out how Othniel followed Caleb’s example—a wonderful moment where the next generation steps up in faith. But when we look at the bigger picture of Scripture, we see that this doesn’t usually happen.
Most great leaders in the Bible weren’t followed by people who carried their legacy.
After Joshua died, Israel fell into apostasy. Samuel’s sons didn’t walk in his ways. Many of David’s descendants led Judah away from God. Even revival kings like Hezekiah and Josiah were followed by sons who quickly undid their reforms.
It’s a reminder that spiritual strength isn’t inherited. Each generation has to choose God for themselves. Strong leaders can inspire, but they can’t make the next generation faithful.
So Caleb and Othniel are a beautiful exception—but they also show us why intentional discipleship and prayer for the next generation are so important today.
"intentional discipleship and prayer for the next generation are so important today." Thank you for your message that you have given to me.
My Question: Why are we NOT teaching "Discipleship" in our churches today?
Jesus taught His disciples, and then told them to "go" make Disciples. So, why are we not teaching the principles of Discipleship in our churches?
I would like to start a Discipleship Class/training in my church and/or community; but I don't have to be the one to do it. If I have inspired someone else to do the task, then I'll be "happy" to pass the Torch to them. Let God's Will be done!
Be blessed!!
Caleb’s decision was more than a marriage arrangement it was a faith transfer. He wanted a man who carried the same courage, conviction, and obedience to God that defined his own life. By setting a challenge that required faith, Caleb ensured that his daughter would be joined to someone who could fight battles, stand firm, and walk with God.
And the fruit was clear, Othniel became Israel’s first judge a strong, Spirit-led leader.
This teaches us that faith should be inherited, not just by words, but by example, by courage, and by obedience.
Just as Caleb looked for a man with godly courage, today we should teach our youth to:
1. Value character over comfort
Caleb didn’t choose a man because he was handsome or rich he looked for faith, responsibility, and courage.
👉 Today’s youth should seek relationships and friendships that strengthen their walk with God.
2. Win their “Debir” before wanting rewards
Othniel proved himself first.
👉 Youth today should learn to face challenges in studies, purity, service, and integrity before expecting blessings.
3. Build a legacy of faith, not just success
Othniel later led Israel.
👉 Young people should aim to be leaders who stand for righteousness in their homes, communities, and generation.
4. Pass on faith by living it boldly
Caleb’s life inspired Othniel.
👉 Our youth should realize that the next generation will follow what they live, not what they say.
Caleb wasn’t just looking for a son-in-law he was guarding a faith legacy.
He wanted a man with courage, faith, and obedience to marry his daughter.
Today, our youth must learn the same:
Build character, face challenges with faith, and become leaders who can pass a strong spiritual foundation to the next generation.
Just as Caleb raised a godly generation, we must pass the baton of faith to the youth of today.
"Achsah’s determination foreshadows the perseverance of those women in the Gospels who would not be turned away by the crowd or the disciples and would not give up until they received Jesus’ blessing for themselves and their families."
I wish to put more emphasis on the above quote from our lesson today.
"Achsah’s determination foreshadows the perseverance of those women in the Gospels". I want o add more emphasis to this message because for most of us, our Mothers (women) are our First Teachers. Their examples, wisdom, and prayers inspire and lead us throughout the rest of our lives. (However, I do realize that some people did not have good examples, but most of us did. I know that my mother was a very good example for me.)
If we really want to pass the "Torch of the Gospel" to the next generation, we must incorporate (foster) the Motherly wisdom within our Churches, by making them Teachers as well. Women with "Achsah's determination" must be given respect within our Churches; women that are seen and heard.
Women with wisdom can accomplish the same tasks as Achsah did, which was taking action to ensure that the next generation would be able to survive (she asked for "water", you can't live long without water) and she left a legacy for many generations after her to flourish.
Women of today do not know their Power. And if they place their wisdom and examples in the hand of The Lord, then they will be able to "Move Mountains" and provide "living water" to their descendants forever.
In short, Women of the Gospel, take up your Banner (and your Torch), and prepare to teach your Young, prepare them to receive the Torch. But we must "lead by good example".
I pray that my little message is clear. "Teach, Prepare, and then Pass the Torch".
God's Blessings to you All!!
To be a good example of the redeeming power of the work of the Holy Spirit actually ought to be 'a given' when considered in the context of our claim to be a Christian. How else would others know that we follow the Way of Christ Jesus if we do no act in the Way He lived? Rom.1:15-18.
Everyone’s talents are different, though the commission to engage in life for the betterment of all one comes in contact with is the same. We are called to bring the 'Fruit of the Spirit' to bear on all we ‘touch’. And - so help us, God – we better be ready to do so - Gal.5:22-23.
I consider that 'how much' faith one has is not necessarily the question. Rather, the question would be: ‘do we apply 'faith' in 'all' things, or do we ignore 'little' things because we deem them inconsequential? Any amount of faith invested in the 'Word of God' will not return to Him without having achieved its purpose – Isaiah 55:10-12.
I have to quibble with the lesson a bit (beyond the arranged marriage stuff, which actually doesn't bother me as I suspect Achsah had some say and maybe Othniel and her were already interested in each other and this was a way for him to seal the deal like David did with Michal). Faith was transferred to the next generation in people like Othniel, but Judges makes it clear that they were by far the minority. A little too optimistic for me!
Also, Jesus' parable in Luke 18 should be read in full rather than stopping at vs. 5. Certainly we should be persistent with God, but the point of the parable is that God is NOT like the unjust ruler and He is willing to act. There is a contrast there. Jesus makes this clear in His explanations. Other texts would be much better here.
Actually, this was my very concern, with this day's study. I could not connect the faith part with Caleb's test/offer to Othniel. I felt the drive was in relation to the offer not faith to God directly.
It is somewhat surprising to see so much commentary about the relationship between Caleb, Othneil, Achsah, and so on. One possible explanation is that in the original Hebrew, the relationships are less well defined. There is some sense in reading these passages that these people simply belonged to Caleb's extended clan. We tend to read some of the English translations rather more tightly than expressed in the original Hebrew. There is a school of thought that suggest the term used for "brother" can also be interpreted as "reliable clan member".
And to be fair, even in modern times, we use familial expressions to express authority and connection sometimes rather than family relationships. I grew up in a church with a whole lot of aunties and uncles who were not related to me but the terms were used as a mark of respect.