The Lord commanded Joshua to assign some of Judah’s territory to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So Caleb was given the town of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), which had been named after Anak’s ancestor. Caleb drove out the three groups of Anakites—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he went to fight against the people living in the town of Debir (formerly called Kiriath-sepher). Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher.” Othniel, the son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel’s wife. [Joshua 15.13-17]
We have in today's OYCB reading the instance of Caleb offering his daughter as a reward for prowess in battle. Lest we forget just how different cultural ways are between God's people of today and God's people of long ago this story is a stark reminder.
Somehow, the reader of the Bible must reconcile these differences. But how does one do this without being in danger of creating his own religion based on his own preferences?
Father, please help us to seek out and live out truth!
No comments:
Post a Comment