In Joshua 15:13-19 we have a little-known love story.
13 He gave Caleb son of Jephunneh the following portion among the descendants of Judah based on the Lord’s instruction to Joshua: Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron; Arba was the father of Anak). 14 Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, descendants of Anak.15 From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir whose name used to be Kiriath-sepher, 16 and Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Achsah as a wife to the one who strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher.” 17 So Othnielson of Caleb’s brother, Kenaz, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him as a wife. 18 When she arrived, she persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field. As she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you want?” 19 She replied, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me the springs of water also.” So he gave her the upper and lower springs.
Caleb had 3 sons and 1 daughter (1 Chronicles 4:15), whose name was Achsah, which means "adorned" or "bursting the veil". Remember that Caleb was, at this time, in his later years, at least 85 and perhaps 86 when this story took place. He deeply desired to capture a prized city in his allotted territory, a city renowned for its learning. Some have compared Kiriath-sepher to Athens, in Greece, or Alexandria, in Egypt, both ancient cities which contained extensive libraries and universities.
Caleb, so highly respected in not only his tribe of Judah, but also in all of Israel, could have found many champions to conquer this city. However, Caleb chose to combine the taking of this city with taking care of his only daughter. In those days, daughters were in no way generally as highly esteemed as were sons. Achsah must have been someone special. The young man who took up Caleb's challenge was Othniel, who is also mentioned later in Scripture as being a fine judge/ruler of Israel (Judges 3:8-11). Caleb apparently knew that Othniel favored Achsah and saw an opportunity to make a fine "match".
Othniel and Achsah were first cousins, unless some adoption had occurred in Othniel's case; the Bible does not record any such thing. In our day, we look somewhat askance upon the marrying of cousins. However, in the Old Testament, no such restrictions were in place. There were other O.T. marriage restrictions; a whole blog post could be devoted to those.
At any rate, Othniel and Achsah were acquainted and probably had a mutual yearning for each other to begin with. Othniel was eager, also, to capture such a great city as Kiriath-sepher. So, he rode forth and conquered it. Accordingly, Othniel was awarded Achsah as his bride. For her part, Achsah was given a portion of land by her father. Although rare, this was not unprecedented. Achsah was a wise young woman. She realized that dry land without a water source was not something of great value. Therefore, she asked for additional property: the area with abundant water, which would water her newly acquired land. Water rights were highly desirable - - - a precious gift.
Some have portrayed Achsah as a "discontented bride", which I don't see as the case. Instead, she seems to me to be a loving daughter, and a beloved daughter, whose father is happy to grant the request she asked of him. She went to The Source. She knew whom to ask! When asked, Caleb did not merely give her the upper springs or the lower springs, as he could have done. In fact, had he been perturbed by her request or thought it covetous, he certainly could have responded that way --- or not given her any water rights at all! But, that is not what happened. Caleb gave Achsah and Othniel more than that for which she asked. He gave them an abundant blessing - - - both the upper and the lower springs.
As a benevolent father, Caleb represents God, our benevolent Father. We, His beloved children, should never be shy to ask God for His blessings, as long as what we ask is in accordance with His will and for His glory. Psalm 67 was read in every worship service in the Church of England. It was deemed by those who wrote the Church of England liturgy to be THAT important. The last verse of the psalm reveals the motivation behind the request for God's blessing:
7 May God bless us! Then all the ends of the earth will give him the honor he deserves.
Psalm 67:7
What do you need to boldly ask Him for today?
Father, You know that I woke up this morning thanking You and then asking You for specific blessings. I thank You for hearing my requests and for answering my prayers. You know that not all of my petitions have been granted, although I've asked in accordance with Your will and for Your glory. I submit to Your wisdom and omniscience, Father. You know best. I also realize that You do things and grant requests in Your own perfect timing. Thank you so much for even allowing me to ask. You pour out blessing upon blessing....more than I even realize. Blessed be Your name! In Jesus' matchless name I pray, amen.
Source:
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/all-women-bible/Achsah
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