Joshua 15:16

Will I give Achsah. In ancient times fathers assumed an absolute right over their children in disposing of them in marriage, and the children took such an arrangement for granted as a proper procedure. In this offer it is not to be supposed that Caleb was putting up his daughter as the object of a wretched scramble by any type of man. He no doubt was anxious to unite her to a man honorable for his zeal and energy, one who was conspicuous for his bravery and willing to dare for God. Perhaps, also, he had in mind to unite her to one who was on her social level. The promise of her hand in marriage was not to the man who would first enter Kijath-sepher, but to the one who would smite it and take it. No man singlehanded could smite and take a fortified city, thus the promise was probably limited to the leaders of the army who were under Caleb.