¹³ In accordance with the Lord’s command to him, Joshua gave to Caleb^(A) son of Jephunneh a portion in Judah—Kiriath Arba^(B), that is, Hebron.^(C) (Arba was the forefather of Anak.)^{(D) 14} From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites^(E)—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai,^(F) the sons of Anak.^(G)

²² They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron,^(A) where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai,^(B) the descendants of Anak,^(C) lived. (Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)^(D)

²⁸ Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller^(A) than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites^(B) there.’”

Not Because of Israel’s Righteousness

9 Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan^(A) to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you,^(B) with large cities^(C) that have walls up to the sky.^{(D) 2} The people are strong and tall—Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: “Who can stand up against the Anakites?”^{(E) 3} But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you^(F) like a devouring fire.^(G) He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly,^(H) as the Lord has promised you.