Achsah, daughter of Caleb and wife of Othniel
Although, Achsah was the daughter of one of Caleb's concubines, (1 Chronicles 2:48,49) she was a woman who understood her true value and the value of the springs added as part of her dowry. Achsah was not afraid to ask for what she wanted from her father, Caleb. Her Father granted his daughter's request. Why did Achsah ask for springs? During Old Testament times, Springs were needed for survival. In Genesis 16:6-16 The Angel of the Lord found a pregnant Hagar near a spring, and gave her a message about God's future plans for her and her son. Genesis 21:9-21 the Angel of the Lord speaks from Heaven to Hagar and reveals the very source of water her and Ishmael needed during a desperate time in the desert. Springs were also a symbol of ones' wealth and divine provisions from God. The Psalms refer to springs as a source of life, refreshing, and also renewal to an individual.
Her father, Caleb, also saw her as a treasured gift of great value. He offered her as a reward to the man who conquered, smiteth, or overtakes the inhabitants of Debir/Kirjathsepher. Othniel became Achsah husband. Othniel had a history of being a judge, warrior, and deliver for the nation of Israel.
Judges 3:9-11
9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
10 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
11 And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Joshua 15:15-19
15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.
16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
17 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?
19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
Judges 1:11-15
11 And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher:
12 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
13 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
14 And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?
15 And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.
How did Jesus feel about his followers asking with the belief of receiving?
Matthew 7:7,8 Jesus said these words during His Sermon on the Mount Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
Luke 11: 9-13 (Jesus speaks about God being a good Father)
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Mark 11:24: (Jesus's word to His disciples about faith and prayer )"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
John 14:13-14: (Jesus spoke these words to His disciples at the Last Supper before His crucifixion) "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
James 5:13-16 (our Father in Heaven wants us to ask Him in faith, believing for what we have need of)
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
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