The Prepared Team, Caleb and Othniel (Judges 1:8–15) 2/22/2026
The Prepared Team, Caleb and Othniel (Judges 1:8–15) 2/22/2026
Why did God record the Book of Judges and give it to us? We will share that next week (because the reason appears in chapter 2).
The Book of Judges begins with Caleb and Othniel, descendants of the tribe of Judah. This was the only tribe that continued the remaining conquest of Canaan. Most of the tribes failed in conquest, compromised at times, and lived in suffering. But these men became the model of victory in conquest.
Though they were few in number, they became witnesses. Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). The Bible says that those with true faith are few, but they are the “remnant” whom God has set apart (Romans 11:5). Through today’s passage, may we hold onto that covenant and become the remnant of this age who remain within that blessing.
In verse 1, they asked God who should go up first to continue the conquest of Canaan. The tribe chosen was the tribe of Judah. And the two men who led the tribe of Judah in this passage were Caleb and Othniel.
There is a distinctive feature about them. There was an age difference. Caleb belonged to the first generation of the conquest of Canaan, while Othniel belonged to the second generation. The key point is that both clearly held onto the covenant regarding Canaan. Holding onto that promise, they challenged in faith and stood at the forefront. According to their faith, they became the only ones to conquer the remaining land of Canaan and enjoyed the blessing of possessing the largest territory. More importantly, through their descendants the kingdom of David was established, and that land became the starting point of David’s kingdom (2 Samuel 5:3). Through those who held onto God’s promised “only” covenant, works of uniqueness and re-creation were accomplished (they must become our model).
- The importance of a team formed by those who hold onto the covenant.
When forming a team, skills, character, and background are important. But for those whom God desires, blesses, and uses, there must be one essential thing. Faith that holds onto the “only” covenant. That is why God sent the tribe of Judah first.
1) The foundation, core, and conclusion of that covenant is only Christ. Why did God send Abraham to Canaan and promise he would become a source of blessing? Why did Joseph, Moses, and Joshua strive so much to conquer Canaan? Because on that land would come Christ, our eternal salvation and eternal covenant. This Christ must become the source of all our faith. They became witnesses who saved their generation (Hebrews 12:1–2).
2) When God chose the tribe of Judah, its representatives Caleb and Othniel obeyed and staked their lives on it.
Christ has become the eternal answer of our lives, worthy of staking our lives on Him. Through His tragic death, we received eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Through His resurrection, we received new life to enjoy God’s eternal Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:50). At that moment, the powers of darkness that sought to destroy our lives were broken (1 Corinthians 15:25–26).
① We simply need to remain in this Christ. No matter what problems, suffering, or failures come again, we can overcome (1 Corinthians 15:57).
② Live a life that enjoys Christ. Always rejoice, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Then God’s will is fulfilled in our lives, and everything is turned into testimony.
③ Form a team that can stake their lives together for Christ (Romans 14:8). Then the authority of the heavenly throne moves, and even our small works become God’s masterpiece (Matthew 18:19–20). For 30 years, God has led our church in this way. If we as individuals and as a church continue to hold onto the covenant of only Christ, we can do anything and have nothing to fear.
- A team that holds the covenant of Christ and challenges for God’s Will is important
This is the second reason God chose and sent the tribe of Judah first. They were people who challenged for God’s Kingdom and His will to be established on this land, and God used them (Matthew 6:33).
① They relinquished all vested rights. There were privileges Moses had once promised, but Caleb relinquished them (Joshua 14:9). Even when we accomplish important things, it is crucial to hide ourselves and resolve that only God’s glory and will be revealed. Insisting on our own rights and efforts is a decisive cause of failure for God’s people.
② They used that surrendered privilege to choose Hebron, the land everyone feared (Joshua 14:12). They selected Hebron, like the greatest fortress in Canaan, and challenged it in faith. This became an example to all Israel, a model of true devotion, and all Israel gained strength through it.
③ Their devotion produced a future masterpiece. Who could have known that on the land they chose, the kingdom of David would be established, and that the eternal Christ would come? The covenant we hold today, the faith we choose today, and the devotion we offer today create eternal masterpieces.
- One family and two people who held the covenant and devoted their lives changed history
It is important for many people to form a team. When many gather in a church, it is easier to accomplish big things with that strength. But God can make one into a thousand through even one person or one family that holds the covenant and challenges in faith (Joshua 23:10; Isaiah 60:22).
1) As mentioned last week, let the family become such a blessed team.
① Let husband and wife become a team and coworkers used by God, let the family become God’s team that He uses (mission home). The next generation raised in that home will become a team and the greatest masterpiece too.
② After the war ended, Othniel became Caleb’s son-in-law. At that time, Caleb’s daughter Achsah made a request of her father (verse 15). While seeking her father’s blessing (acknowledging the spiritual authority of the father as priest of the household), she asked for two springs of water. The land given to them for their marriage was in the Negev desert region, so wells were essential. Though they received desert land, they obeyed without complaint and asked for wells to survive and to bring life to that land. The Negev region they conquered later became part of Israel’s boundary, including today’s area near the Dead Sea (which is why we must study history).
2) Find your team within the church.
① The department or district assigned to you is also a team permitted by God. Value it in the Lord and find blessings and answers there.
② It may begin with awkward or uncomfortable relationships. Take the initiative to share the covenant and prayer topics (spiritual communication). Above all, train yourself to see one another’s strengths and to support each other (that is how relationships and teams are formed).
3) Find the team God has prepared in the field.
① There are certainly disciples God has prepared in the field. Especially seek them among multicultural/multiethnic people (Gentiles, in Old Testament terms). The two key figures in the conquest of Canaan were of Gentile background. Caleb and Rahab. Both entered the tribe of Judah.
② Caleb himself was originally a Gentile. He is called “Caleb the Kenizzite” (Joshua 14:6), and Kenaz is associated with the land of Edom. He was a Gentile, even connected to the Canaanites, but God chose him, and he grew in faithful belief (Numbers 32:12).
Conclusion – Times will grow more difficult. That is why the blessing of prepared people and prepared teams is so important. May we be found among them.
2.22.26 The Prepared Team, Caleb and Othniel
Pulpit_Meditation_and_Forum_Questions_2-22-2026 Meditacion_del_Pulpito_y_Preguntas_2-22-2026