She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.”
Joshua 15:19

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READ: Joshua 15

One of the most beloved novels in history (and the book that brought us several romantic movies of the same name) is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Set in 1800s England during a time when inheritances and land only passed down to sons, daughters who didn’t marry became spinsters with no means of supporting themselves. Fun time to be a woman! A key plot point for Pride and Prejudice’s heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, is her determination to marry for love rather than for financial security. Eventually, love wins the day and Elizabeth marries her true love, Mr. Darcy (who also happens to be rich and handsome).

Women being forced into marriage dates back to earliest times. Whether out of financial desperation or because daughters were viewed as little more than property, arranged marriages were the norm, and we catch a glimpse of this practice in Joshua 15. Caleb gave his daughter, Aksah, to the winner of a battle: his younger brother, Othniel. Joshua provided few details about this arranged marriage, likely because he didn’t think twice about it. But our modern eyes pop at this story—not only because Caleb’s daughter, Aksah, appeared to have little say in the matter, but also because she was given in marriage to her own uncle! (Avunculate marriages—marrying a niece or nephew—were also common in Caleb’s day.)

We know enough about Caleb’s character (a faithful man of God and a bold leader) that we can assume he loved his daughter and wanted to bless her. He’d given her in marriage to a man he knew well and loved, and he gifted the newlywed couple with land in the Negev, a semi-arid area in southern Israel. Aksah, realizing they’d need more water to farm that land, asserted herself with Caleb (like father, like daughter!): “’Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in Negev, give me also springs of water.’ So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs” (15:18b–19).

Caleb, a good father, blessed his daughter by granting her request.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

How God Blessed My ‘Yes’ | Martin K. | Willow North Shore

After my wife’s sudden passing, I was lost—not only emotionally, but practically. I was overwhelmed, managing our finances and all the everyday details she had always handled. I joined the Rebuild workshop at Willow South Barrington, seeking healing for myself, but never imagining God would use me in someone else’s healing, too.

I was the only man in our virtual break-out group of older women. At first, I felt out of place. I even considered quitting. But something unexpected happened—they thanked me for being there, and for bringing a male voice and perspective to the group. I shared my story—how men, especially widowers, often feel ill-equipped to manage life alone or be single parents. My vulnerability opened doors for honest conversations each week—not just about grief, but about the silent struggles many of us carry.

I went to Rebuild for my own grief journey and to process what life was now like. I knew I needed support. And God blessed that simple act of obedience. Later, I was invited to share my story, even while working full-time as a hospital chaplain.

When I needed a formal endorsement for chaplaincy, another miracle occurred—Willow North Shore became my endorsing faith group. That rare support opened the door for me to continue serving children and families in crisis through chaplaincy.

Looking back, I see how God used my quiet “yes” to attend Rebuild as a way to multiply blessings. I asserted myself humbly, simply by showing up and speaking openly. And in return, God provided healing, purpose, and a path I never could have imagined.

DID YOU KNOW?

Avunculate marriages are still legal in many countries around the world—and by permission in New York and Rhode Island! History’s royalty and political dynasties are peppered with avunculate marriages, no doubt hoping to keep power within the family. Portugal, Spain, France, Great Britain, China, Russia, and many other countries allowed marriages between aunts/uncles and their nieces or nephews. Egypt’s Queen Cleopatra III and Ptolemy VIII are just one example.

A PRAYER

God, You are a good Father. No matter what sort of earthly father I had, I can count on You as my Heavenly Father to find ways to bless my life, and I’m grateful. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

How would you describe your earthly father? In what ways did he bless (or withhold blessing) from you? How has this impacted your view of God?

Of the blessings you’ve received or experienced in this world, what are some ways you seek to bless others?