Topical Bible: Faith: Caleb, in Advising to Take the Land of Promise

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Caleb, son of Jephunneh, emerges as a paragon of faith and courage in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua, where he is depicted as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan.

Background and Context

Caleb was a member of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. As the Israelites approached the borders of Canaan, the land promised to them by God, Moses selected one leader from each tribe to explore the territory and report back on its conditions. Caleb was chosen to represent Judah in this critical mission (Numbers 13:6).

The Report of the Spies

Upon their return, the spies delivered a mixed report. They confirmed that the land was indeed fruitful, "flowing with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies instilled fear among the Israelites by emphasizing the strength and size of the inhabitants, describing them as giants and the cities as fortified and formidable (Numbers 13:28-29, 31-33).

Caleb's Faithful Stand

In stark contrast to the majority report, Caleb demonstrated unwavering faith in God's promise. He silenced the people before Moses and declared, "We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!" (Numbers 13:30). Caleb's confidence was rooted not in the Israelites' military prowess but in the assurance of God's faithfulness and power.

Divine Approval and Reward

Caleb's faith did not go unnoticed by God. While the congregation succumbed to fear and rebellion, leading to a divine decree that the current generation would not enter the Promised Land, Caleb was singled out for his different spirit and wholehearted devotion to God. The Lord promised, "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" (Numbers 14:24).

Caleb's Inheritance

Forty-five years later, as the Israelites finally took possession of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, Caleb, now 85 years old, approached Joshua to claim the inheritance promised to him. He recounted his faithfulness and the promise made by God through Moses. Caleb requested the hill country of Hebron, a region still inhabited by the formidable Anakim, demonstrating his enduring faith and vigor (Joshua 14:6-12).

Joshua blessed Caleb and granted him Hebron as his inheritance, fulfilling the divine promise. The text notes, "Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly" (Joshua 14:14).

Legacy of Faith

Caleb's account is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God's promises, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His example serves as an enduring inspiration for believers, illustrating the blessings that come from wholehearted devotion and the courage to stand firm in faith.

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Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
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Numbers 14:6-9
And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
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Library

The General Conference of 1828
... Early, Daniel Hall, Henry Holmes, Caleb Leach, Hezekiah G ... of Christ, or justification
by faith, or should ... the general charge was their advising and requesting ...
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