Joshua - Chapter 14

1. What is the relationship of verse 4 to verse 33 in the prior chapter?

Both talk about the tribe of Levi, and that they were not given land of their own. Verse 4 indicates that although Levi was not given their own "heritage", they were given cities to dwell in, and fields for their livestock by each of the other tribes.

2. What is the claim of Kalev ben Y'funeh? With different vowelization, what would Kalev possibly sound like -- and what is a dominant characteristic of that particular domestic animal?

Kalev, claims that he was one of the 12 spies sent by Moses to scout the land - before the 40 years of wandering. Kalev and Joshua were the 2 spies to bring pack favorable reports, the other 10 bringing negative ones leading to 40 years of wandering. Kalev claims that as a reward for his faith in God, Moses promised that the land he scouted would be his heritage - that land being the city of Hebron.

Kalev, with different vowelization, would be kelev - meaning dog.

3. Once again, the phrase "to this very day" is encountered (verse 14); to what time does the phrase refer?

Traditional opinion is that the book was written by Joshua, with some small parts written by Pinchas the priest after Joshua's death. Others say it was written by a contemporary of Joshua - in any case, the book was written around the time of Joshua's death. The phrase "to this very day" certainly suggests some time has passed between the vents and the authorship of the book. (See wikipedia for an explanation of other positions). Perhaps the books is based on writings of Joshua, but compiled at a later date - that would seem to still attribute "authorship" to Joshua, but explain the "to this very day" phrase.

4. In verse 15, there is the refrain that "the land was quiet." Is there any reference to warfare since the earlier appearance of this refrain?

The last time this phrase appears is the end of chapter 11. Chapter 12 can be read as talking about new warfare.But there is no reference to war between chapter 12 and 14 - in which a lot of time seems to have passed.

Favourite Quote : "Perhaps Hashem will be with me, and I will drive them out, as Hashem has spoken." Verse 12