Achsah, Daughter of Caleb
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe
The story of Achsah the daughter of Caleb begins in the book of Joshua. There's only one Achsah in the Bible and she is the daughter of the famous Caleb, the friend of Joshua (Joshua 15:16). Right after conquering Hebron, Caleb wanted to take Debir as well. He promised his daughter Achsah to whomever conquered the town, and Othniel, the nephew of Caleb took on the challenge. He succeeded and subsequently married Achsah. Caleb gave the land in the southern part of his territory to Achsah. When Achsah asked for her father for water because her land was arid, Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. (Joshua 15:18-19)
Othniel became the first judge of Israel. The story of Othniel and Achsah continues in the book of Judges. Othniel was of the greatest of the judges of Israel. Following his victory, he ruled Israel for forty years. Under his leadership, Israel prospered.
The name Othniel means "God's lion" or "strength of God".
Othniel represents Jesus, the Lion of Judah. Caleb represents God the Father giving the bride to Jesus.
Note the following scripture speaking of the Church:
2 Corinthians 11:2 “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have espoused you to one Man, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”
Achsah, as with many women in the Old Testament, represents the Church, the Bride of Christ. The name Achsah is a Hebrew word meaning "anklet" or "adorned".
“Adorn” is from the root word “kosmeo” meaning "to arrange," "to put In order," "to decorate." The Bride of Christ is to be an orderly adornment to the Lion of Judah.
The upper and lower springs represent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often pictured as water in scripture. Achsah received a double portion. She received favor. That favor is available to the Church when we are walking in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our teacher who transforms us by renewing the way we think.
In the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual beings grow and flourish like the desert in seasons of rain.
Isaiah 35 is fulfilled whenever the people of God repent and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh our lives .
Isaiah 35: 2-10: The wilderness and the desert shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the crocus. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the honor of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of Jehovah and the majesty of our God. Make the weak hands strong and make the feeble knees sure. Say to those of a hasty heart, Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the full dealing of God. He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing; for in the wilderness waters shall break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land shall become springs of water in the home of jackals, in its lair, and a place for the reed and rush. And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called, The Way of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it. But He shall be with them; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err in it. No lion shall be there, nor any beast of prey shall go up on it; it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of Jehovah shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy on their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
However, we must desire the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must be like Achsah our Father for the water of the Holy Spirit to nourish the desert of our lives. Revelation 19:7 says “the Bride has make herself ready.”
Notice: “the Bride has make herself ready.”
We keep thinking that Jesus must return soon because the world is steeped in sin. Perhaps, we should transform our way of thinking and concentrate on make ourselves, the Bride of Christ, ready. Jesus is returning for a holy bride dressed in white linen which is the righteousness of the saints. (Revelation 19:9) “Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?” (Elisha A. Hoffman)
We cannot arrange, put in order or decorate our lives without the Holy Spirit. We do that when we are willing to recognize and receive His ministry in our lives.
