And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
The historian honours Caleb because Caleb honoured God by following Him fully. Joshua would not even favour his old friend without God's explicit command, for in every doubtful matter we must know God's mind and see our duty plain. Caleb's confidence in the Lord's presence did not deceive him; the giants fled before him, and their bodily strength could not sustain their courage.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 15:13-19
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it,.... The relation of Othniel to Caleb is a little intricate, and, as it is understood, occasions objections to the marriage of Caleb's daughter to him; it seems, at first sight, that he was Caleb's own brother, a younger brother, and so uncle to his daughter, and such marriages were forbidden, Lev 18:14.
OTHNIEL, FOR HIS VALOR, HAS ACHSAH TO WIFE. (Jos 15:16-20) He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher--This offer was made as an incentive to youthful bravery (see on Sa1 17:25); and the prize was won by Othniel, Caleb's younger brother (Jdg 1:13; Jdg 3:9). This was the occasion of drawing out the latent energies of him who was destined to be the first judge in Israel.
Commenting on Joshua 15:16-20