Joshua – Chapter 14

Old Testament • 15 Verses

Chapter Summary

"This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the princes…" — so begins Joshua 14. The chapter centers on Moses, Joshua and Caleb. Across its 15 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's covenant promises. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the princes of the families by the tribes of Israel gave to them.

2Dividing all by lot, as the Lord had commanded the hand of Moses, to the nine tribes, and the half tribe.

3For to two tribes and a half Moses had given possession beyond the Jordan: besides the Levites, who received no land among their brethren:

4But in their place succeeded the children of Joseph divided into two tribes, of Manasses and Ephraim: neither did the Levites receive other portion of land, but cities to dwell in, and their suburbs to feed their beasts and flocks.

5As the Lord had commanded Moses so did the children of Israel, and they divided the land.

6Then the children of Juda came to Joshua in Galgal, and Caleb the son of Jephone the Cenezite spoke to him: Thou knowest what the Lord spoke to Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Cadesbarne.

7I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Cadesbarne, to view the land, and I brought him word again as to me seemed true,

8But my brethren, that had gone up with me, discouraged the heart of the people: and I nevertheless followed the Lord my God.

9And Moses swore in that day, saying: The land which thy foot hath trodden upon shall be thy possession, and thy children for ever, because thou hast followed the Lord my God.

10The Lord therefore hath granted me life, as he promised until this present day, It is forty and five years since the Lord spoke this word to Moses, when Israel journeyed through the wilderness: this day I am eighty-five years old,

11As strong as I was at that time when I was sent to view the land: the strength of that time continueth in me until this day, as well to fight as to march.

12Give me therefore this mountain, which the Lord promised, in thy hearing also, wherein are the Enacims, and cities great and strong: if so be the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to destroy them, as he promised me.

13And Joshua blessed him, and gave him Hebron in possession.

14And from that time Hebron belonged to Caleb the son of Jephone the Cenezite, until this present day: because he followed the Lord the God of Israel.

15The name of Hebron before was called Cariath-Arbe: Adam the greatest among the Enacims was laid there and the land rested from wars.

Important Verses in Joshua 14

“This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the princes of the families by the tribes of Israel gave to them.”

Joshua 14:1

“As the Lord had commanded Moses so did the children of Israel, and they divided the land.”

Joshua 14:5

“But my brethren, that had gone up with me, discouraged the heart of the people: and I nevertheless followed the Lord my God.”

Joshua 14:8

“And from that time Hebron belonged to Caleb the son of Jephone the Cenezite, until this present day: because he followed the Lord the God of Israel.”

Joshua 14:14

Historical Context

Joshua belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for israel settled in the land, called to remember how God fulfilled His promises. Chapter 14 of 24 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 15 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Moses, Joshua, Caleb and Manasses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of…" The final verse reads: "The name of Hebron before was called Cariath-Arbe: Adam the greatest among the Enacims was laid there and the land…" Read against its original backdrop, Joshua narrates the entry into Canaan, the fall of Jericho, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Joshua around Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers

When It Was Written

Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land. A pivotal line is verse 1: "This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the princes of the families by…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land. Catholic tradition sees Joshua as a type of Jesus, who leads us into the true Promised Land (CIC 2578). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2105).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • ✓God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.

People in This Chapter

Moses7 mentionsJoshua3 mentionsCaleb2 mentionsManasses1 mentionEleazar1 mentionJoseph1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Joshua Chapter 14 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Joshua Chapter 14. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1700).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2105).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joshua Chapter 14 about?

Joshua 14 contains 15 verses. It opens with "This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of…" and closes with "The name of Hebron before was called Cariath-Arbe: Adam the greatest among the Enacims was laid there and the land…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Joshua 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "This is what the children of Israel possessed in the land of Chanaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the princes of the families by the tribes of Israel…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Joshua Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Manasses, Eleazar, among others.

Who wrote Joshua and when?

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers. Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

Related Chapters

Numbers 32Shares people and themes with this chapterDeuteronomy 33Shares people and themes with this chapterJudges 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏The Magnificat🙏The Nicene Creed

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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