In acknowledging what he had already given her, it is just as if Achsah is thanking her father for her upbringing and recognizing the place of blessing that had been, and was still, hers.
Every godly father desires to see spiritual growth and conviction with their children, and the time when they express appreciation for their upbringing and the truth they have been taught. This time had come in the life of Caleb’s daughter, as we see clearly stated in Achsah’s answer to her father.
A south land would denote a place of pleasantness, warmth, and comfort. Many who live in cold snowy climates head south in the winter, if they have the time and resources to do so. For the purposes of our story it would, in application, speak of that which Caleb’s daughters had received as a place of shelter and blessing. In other words, many of us look back to the nurture and solace of a godly, Christian home. Many godly fathers have provided a refuge, sanctuary, and shelter from the world and all its stormy turmoil and strife.
The Christian home is really the only true bulwark against the world. Are we truly thankful for such a south land? Have we ever expressed it to those who were so exercised and made much sacrifice to accomplish it? It is not easy to raise children and young people in this dark, sin-sick world, where there is so much that is opposed to Christ and the truth. And so much to vie for our time and affections. We don’t often appreciate such a home and shelter when we are young, but as we get older, it is good to take hold of what our fathers have taught us, weighing it in the light of Scripture, and learning to appreciate it more and more. There is no greater joy for a parent, than to hear from their offspring that they value their upbringing, and desire further blessing.
What a wonderful solace and reward for Caleb, as he sees those years of quiet faith in God and following the Lord pay off in the life of his daughter, and her new husband. This is what every godly father desires. Solomon wrote: “My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine ... The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him” (Proverbs 23:15,2415My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. (Proverbs 23:15)
24The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. (Proverbs 23:24)).