This verse is yet another introduction to the land distributions. It contains the first reference in the book to “the land of Canaan,” and it introduces the main characters in the land distributions, Joshua and Eleazar, and the heads of the clans.

According to God’s instructions in Num 34:16–29, Joshua, Eleazar, and one leader per tribe were to distribute the land. The inclusion here of “the heads of the tribal clans” (lit., “the heads of the fathers of the tribes”) once again shows Israel obeying God’s commands

The story of Caleb’s inheritance is one of five stories in chaps. 14–21 in which characters ask for and receive their inheritance: Caleb (14:6–15); Acsah (15:18–19); the daughters of Zelophehad (17:3–6); Joseph (17:14–18); and the Levites (21:1–3). These have been identified and labeled as “land grant narratives” by Nelson, and they follow a similar pattern in most cases. First, there is a confrontation that establishes the setting and the characters. Then the would-be grantees present their case and make a request for land. Following this, the land is granted, and, finally, a summary of the resolution is given.

This verse records only the second instance in the book of a blessing (brk). The concept of a blessing is a rich one in biblical thought. God’s blessing upon his people bestowed abundant and effective life upon them (e.g., Gen 27:27–29; 49:1–28). It involved bestowing material abundance upon them, such as children (e.g., Gen 1:28; 28:3), land (Gen 26:3; 28:4), or wealth (Gen 28:12–14), as well as upon others (Gen 12:3; 22:18). When people blessed God, they were worshiping him, ascribing worth to him and his great name (e.g., Ps 103:1–2; 104:1). When people blessed each other, it conveyed a desire for God’s best to befall them (e.g., Gen 47:10; Judg 5:24; Neh 11:2; Prov 30:11). Blessing someone was more than wishful thinking, however, since blessing in the name of the Lord tapped into the power and resources of God himself.