Topical Bible: Oath: Moses Covenants With Caleb By

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of an oath is a solemn promise or commitment, often invoking the name of God as a witness to the truth of one's word. Oaths are significant in the biblical context as they underscore the seriousness and binding nature of the commitments made. One notable instance of an oath in the Old Testament is the covenant made by Moses with Caleb, the son of Jephunneh.

Biblical Context

The account of Moses' covenant with Caleb is found in the Book of Numbers and reiterated in the Book of Joshua. This event occurs during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a period marked by trials, divine interventions, and the testing of faith.

The Spies' Report

In Numbers 13, Moses sends twelve spies, one from each tribe of Israel, to explore the land of Canaan. Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah, is among these spies. Upon their return, ten of the spies deliver a discouraging report, emphasizing the strength and fortifications of the Canaanites. However, Caleb, along with Joshua, stands apart by expressing faith in God's promise and urging the Israelites to proceed with the conquest. Caleb declares, "Let us go up at once and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it" (Numbers 13:30).

The Divine Oath

Due to the people's lack of faith and rebellion, God pronounces judgment, declaring that the current generation will not enter the Promised Land. However, Caleb is singled out for his faithfulness. In Numbers 14:24, God states, "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" . This divine promise is an oath that underscores Caleb's reward for his unwavering trust in God.

Moses' Covenant with Caleb

The covenant between Moses and Caleb is further highlighted in Deuteronomy 1:36, where Moses recounts God's promise: "Except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and his children I will give the land on which he has walked, because he has wholly followed the LORD" . This reiteration of the oath emphasizes the certainty of God's promise and the special inheritance reserved for Caleb.

Fulfillment of the Oath

The fulfillment of this oath is recorded in the Book of Joshua. After the conquest of Canaan, Caleb approaches Joshua to claim the promise made to him. In Joshua 14:9, Caleb reminds Joshua of Moses' words: "On that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your foot has walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly’" . Joshua honors this oath, granting Caleb the region of Hebron as his inheritance.

Significance

The oath made to Caleb is significant for several reasons. It highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God, demonstrating that divine promises are fulfilled for those who remain steadfast. Caleb's inheritance serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the rewards of trusting in His word. This narrative also underscores the role of oaths in the biblical tradition as binding commitments that carry profound spiritual and temporal implications.

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Joshua 14:9
And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land where on your feet have trodden shall be your inheritance, and your children's for ever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.
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Library

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... No, if they will not hear Moses and the prophets ... a sharp voyage through the wilderness,
yet Caleb and Joshua ... and truth to those that keep his covenants (Psalm 25 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... This is the theory of Moses: and Bunyan's exposition is, that all was finished,
even to the creation of all the souls which were to animate the human race, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm