Topical Encyclopedia Caleb, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his role as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, with additional references in the Book of Joshua and other parts of the Old Testament. Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, belonged to the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.Mission to Canaan The account of Caleb's mission as a spy is detailed in Numbers 13 and 14. At the command of the LORD, Moses sent twelve men, one from each tribe, to scout the land of Canaan, which God had promised to the Israelites. Caleb was chosen to represent the tribe of Judah. The mission's purpose was to assess the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. Numbers 13:17-20 records Moses' instructions: "When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, 'Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.'" Report and Faithfulness After forty days of exploration, the spies returned with their report. They confirmed the land's richness, bringing back a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried on a pole between two men. However, ten of the spies gave a discouraging report, emphasizing the strength and size of the Canaanite inhabitants, which instilled fear among the Israelites. In contrast, Caleb, along with Joshua, son of Nun, displayed unwavering faith in God's promise. Numbers 13:30 states, "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!'" Despite Caleb's encouragement, the Israelites succumbed to fear, leading to their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Caleb and Joshua tore their garments in distress and pleaded with the people, as recorded in Numbers 14:7-9 : "And they said to the whole congregation of Israel, 'The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!'" Divine Favor and Promise Caleb's faithfulness did not go unnoticed by God. In response to the Israelites' rebellion, God declared that none of the men of that generation, except Caleb and Joshua, would enter the Promised Land. Numbers 14:24 highlights God's commendation of Caleb: "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it." Inheritance in the Promised Land Caleb's reward for his faith and obedience was realized when the Israelites finally entered Canaan under Joshua's leadership. At the age of eighty-five, Caleb approached Joshua to claim the inheritance promised to him. Joshua 14:10-12 records Caleb's request: "Now behold, the LORD has kept me alive these forty-five years as He promised, since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old, still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out; my strength for battle and for daily tasks is now as it was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you heard on that day that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken." Caleb's inheritance was the region of Hebron, a testament to his enduring faith and the fulfillment of God's promise. His legacy is one of courage, faithfulness, and unwavering trust in God's word, serving as an enduring example for believers throughout the ages. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 13:6Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. Nave's Topical Index Library In the Borders of Canaan. Whom the Lady Miriam Sent Numbers Afraid of Giants Two Ways of Seeing Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter. The Debt of Israel The Spies Resources Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Joshua and Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a Calebite? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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