יהושע, פרק ט״ו, פסוק י״ג

After the borders of the tribe of Judah are mapped out, the focus shifts to the specific cities within that territory, starting with the unique inheritance granted to Caleb. His placement within Judah was no accident. God carefully guided the drawing of the lots so that Judah's land would surround the city of Hebron, ensuring Caleb would receive this area within his own tribe's borders. Caleb did not request Hebron out of a desire for material wealth. Instead, he sought it for honor and as proof of his righteousness. The moment he received the city, he immediately set out to fight and drive away its inhabitants [אברבנאל].

The transfer of this land was not based on Joshua's personal decision, but was the direct fulfillment of an explicit command from God [מצודת דוד]. The phrasing of this divine instruction reveals that it was not a newly issued order, but rather the realization of a promise previously given through Moses [מלבי״ם]. Even though this promise was made in the past, God spoke to Joshua directly at the time of the land distribution to ensure the command was carried out. This communication also served to encourage Caleb, giving him the strength he needed so he would not fear the giants who lived in the city [חומת אנך].

Hebron is also referred to as Kiriath-arba, a name honoring Arba, the father of the giants. This individual was recognized as the largest and most important among them [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He may have been the father of the three specific giants mentioned later in the historical account, or perhaps the founding father of their entire dynasty. Another approach suggests that the city's older name simply reflected the collective presence of these four giants who lived there together [ביאור שטיינזלץ].