Joshua 15 describes the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, from its southern border to its towns and villages, and it ends with a personal story about Caleb’s daughter Achsah. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday faithfulness.
Joshua 15 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Judah’s boundaries on the south, east, north and west, marking the land God gave through Joshua’s allotment. It then records Caleb’s portion at Hebron and his conquest of Debir, where he offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever takes the city.
The rest of the chapter is a long list of towns grouped by region: the Negev in the south, the lowland, the hill country, and the wilderness. Leaders can treat the lists as a single block, asking the group to notice how much of the chapter is about place, promise and the people who lived in it.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to the exact words in the text, and let several people answer before you add anything yourself. Keep the focus on what is written.
Joshua 15:13-14
13 He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (also called Hebron). 14 Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
(WEB)
These verses anchor Caleb’s inheritance in the LORD’s command and show his decisive action against the sons of Anak. Reading them aloud helps the group hear the link between God’s word and human obedience.
Joshua 15:16-17
16 Caleb said, “He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife.” 17 Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
(WEB)
Caleb’s offer and Othniel’s response are short and direct, and reading them aloud brings out the drama of the moment. Use this passage to open a discussion about courage and faithful initiative.
Joshua 15:18-19
18 When she came, she had him ask her father for a field. She got off her donkey, and Caleb said, “What do you want?” 19 She said, “Give me a blessing. Because you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
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Achsah’s request is the emotional center of the chapter, and hearing her words spoken aloud emphasizes her boldness. This is a good passage for talking about praying with honesty and specificity.
Joshua 15:20
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
(WEB)
This brief summary closes the account of Judah’s inheritance and reminds the group that the whole section is about God’s gift to a people. It works well as a transition to the lists that follow.
Joshua 15:63
As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn’t drive them out; but the Jebusites live with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.
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The final verse of the chapter notes that Judah could not drive out the Jebusites in Jerusalem, a sober note amid the good news of inheritance. Reading it aloud invites honest reflection on unfinished work and the patience God requires.
Memory Verse for Joshua 15
Joshua 15:13
He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (also called Hebron).
(WEB)
This verse is a good memory choice because it names the source of Caleb’s inheritance: the LORD’s commandment to Joshua. Encourage the group to memorize it and to recall that God’s promises are given according to his word.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you keep your promises and give us a place in your purposes. Like Caleb, help us to wait with faith and to act with courage when you call us forward. Like Achsah, teach us to ask you honestly for what we need, trusting that you give good gifts. Where we are still waiting, strengthen our hope, and where we have been given much, make us generous with what we have received. Keep our hearts grateful for the places you have assigned to us. Amen.
