Topical Bible: Faith: Caleb

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Topical Encyclopedia

Caleb, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a paragon of faith and steadfastness. He is best known for his role as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. Caleb's faith is exemplified through his unwavering trust in God's promises and his courage in the face of opposition.

Background and Early Life

Caleb was the son of Jephunneh, a Kenizzite, and belonged to the tribe of Judah (Numbers 13:6). The Kenizzites were a clan that had integrated into the tribe of Judah, and Caleb's inclusion in this tribe highlights the diverse composition of the Israelite community. His name, which means "dog" in Hebrew, may reflect his tenacity and loyalty.

The Mission of the Twelve Spies

In Numbers 13, Moses sends twelve men, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan. Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah, is among them. After forty days of exploration, the spies return with a report. While ten of the spies express fear and doubt, claiming that the inhabitants of the land are too powerful to overcome, Caleb stands out for his faith and confidence in God's promise. He boldly declares, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (Numbers 13:30).

Caleb's Faith and God's Promise

Caleb's faith is further highlighted in Numbers 14, where he, along with Joshua, opposes the negative report of the other spies. Despite the people's rebellion and desire to return to Egypt, Caleb remains steadfast, trusting in the Lord's ability to deliver the land into their hands. God acknowledges Caleb's faith, stating, "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).

Inheritance and Legacy

Caleb's faithfulness is rewarded when, after forty years of wandering in the wilderness, he enters the Promised Land. At the age of eighty-five, Caleb approaches Joshua to claim the inheritance promised to him by God. He requests the hill country of Hebron, a region inhabited by the formidable Anakim. Caleb's request is granted, and he successfully drives out the inhabitants, demonstrating his enduring strength and faith (Joshua 14:6-14).

Caleb's legacy is one of unwavering faith and courage. His account serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's promises, regardless of the challenges they face. Caleb's wholehearted devotion to God and his willingness to stand against the majority exemplify the essence of true faith. His life is a testament to the rewards of faithfulness and the fulfillment of God's promises to those who trust in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Caleb --A Green Old Age
... with their barbarous names, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, and their giant stature,
to the onset of a warrior faith like that? Of course, 'Caleb drove out ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/caleba green old age.htm

Faith and Courage.
... Caleb and Joshua were men of faith. They were ... COURAGE. Caleb and Joshua were
full of courage, because they were men of faith. Those ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

Two Ways of Seeing
... in our way, when we look at the troubles that seem to be coming, when we look at
the things that are before us, do we look through faith, like Caleb and Joshua ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk eight two ways of.htm

Exploring Canaan by Faith
... We may visit Caleb again, since the recital of his conflicts and victories has uplifted
our souls so greatly. You say you can not understand faith. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter five exploring canaan by.htm

Weighed, and Found Wanting
... Caleb and Joshua had a different task,"to make one more attempt to hearten the ... of
mourning, they bravely ring out once more the cheery note of assured faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/weighed and found wanting.htm

The Census of Israel
... believeth and is baptized shall be saved." It is written, "Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Caleb and Joshua by faith entered into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

In the Borders of Canaan.
... were twenty years old and upward would die in the wilderness, except Caleb and Joshua ...
again to believe and obey, but over and over they lost faith and rebelled ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xiii in the borders.htm

The Wine of Prayer
... Then I made a wine-press out of pieces of faith, patience, and obedience, and placed
a heavy weight on top made of perseverance. ... Thanks to Caleb for his words! ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter twelve the wine of.htm

The Gift of the Spirit
... The same power that sustained the patriarchs, that gave Caleb and Joshua faith and
courage, and that made the work of the apostolic church effective, has ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm

Afraid of Giants
... who lives by faith, and one who lives by calculation! Israel might be a row of ciphers,
but with God at the head they meant something. Caleb's confidence that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm