All rights reserved. I imagine those 40 years in the wilderness were long for Caleb and Joshua, especially when they had trusted God but still had to wait. Choose to stand on His promises and recall them daily, build your faith in God, and know He will always, I say again, always be with you and help you! What Does the Bible Say About Caleb? - OpenBible.info However, 10 of the other leaders who had also spied out the land did not concur. The city and area Caleb claimed is historically significant for the Jewish people. While exploring the land of Canaan, it seems Caleb was particularly impressed by the hilly mountainous region of Hebron that he would inherit later (Joshua 14:12-14). And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. What an encouragement to us to be faithful to the promises of God. God says that 40 years would pass, and the children of Israel would be shepherds in the wilderness, walking aimlessly. The children of Anak, who were known to be giants, along with many of the future enemies of Israel lived in Canaan (Numbers 13:28-33). And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Are you all in, like Caleb? I am still as strongtoday as the day Moses sent me out; Im just as vigorousto go out to battle now as I was then. Although thats the basic story of Caleb in the Bible, Caleb connects us to three important additional themes in the Old Testament: When Moses sent 12 men to explore Canaan, he picked one leader from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. ). Caleb took his mountain because God helped him. But then the tone changes, and they talk of the fortified city, of the powerful people who reside there; they are descendants from Anak, giants as some translate this, and strong! These giants, descendants of the Nephilim, had terrified the original spies but proved no match for God's people. An Impressive Internal Force Set in France in the early 1800s, Count of Monte Cristo by Join our mailing list to download this resource! [2] The Bible was written down centuries before Hebrew diacritics were introduced, and there is no certain knowledge of how the name was pronounced when the biblical text was written. Those in authority shouldn't only talk the talk; they have the high responsibility and honor of walking the walk. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. But faith in God keeps us young at heart, as we keep eyes wide open to God-sized possibilities and what part we might play. Zavada, Jack. Mark and Luke only mention one so perhaps one of the men was the more outspoken and one stood back. The next time we read of Caleb again, we are well into Numbers, opening in chapter 26 when he is named in the census following a plague. 15:18-19). Their task, over a period of 40 days,[3] was to explore the Negev and surrounding area, and to make an assessment of the geographical features of the land, the strength and numbers of the population, the agricultural potential and actual performance of the land, settlement patterns (whether their cities were like camps or strongholds), and forestry conditions. Lots of things take place after this moment, God comes and meets with Moses, and they talk as though one man to another. [7] It is not stated whether this refers to one of the Calebs mentioned in the Bible, or How Can Christians Knock Down Fear of the Future? They give a full military account, being sure to put across who lives where and why this would be a bad idea when Caleb, our bold character, stands and silences the Israelites. , Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the land, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock, Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural, To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin, Direct object marker | third person feminine singular, Untranslatable mark of the accusative case, Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural, The names of the men who were sent to search the land, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT Law: Numbers 13:30 Caleb stilled the people before Moses (Nu Num. [7] It is not stated whether this refers to one of the Calebs mentioned in the Bible, or another person bearing the same name. Want fresh teachings and disciple making content? He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. Caleb was a man fully committed to following the God of Israel. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said (Joshua 14:12). Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Among his books are the, Freedom in Christ: Discerning True Freedom from Its Counterfeits. That sounds like Gentiles before the When the Lord told the Israelites to divide the land, Caleb had a special request of Joshua. The story of Caleb in the Bible appears A Mosque in the area of Medina, possibly: This page was last edited on 14 June 2023, at 10:07. The spies were fearful of what they found concerning the men and the cities. WebForty years of wandering in the wilderness had brought Israel to stand upon a mountaintop overlooking the land of promise. Caleb was so assured of the promises of God that he gladly accepted the challenge to fight the very men that so frightened his own countrymen (Joshua 15:13-14). BiblePortal Staff, Sep 30, 2022 The story of Caleb, a faithful man of God, begins in the book of Numbers. Moses sent spies, one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, into Canaan to scout the territory. We all need to have some of Calebs traits. His explanation to Joshua shows his crazy levels of resolve: You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. What a powerful speech that must have been to those who were there that day. A reference to him is also found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned (Al-Ma'idah: 2026). By trusting and following Jesus, we are set What is a Man? As we know, the report from 10 of the spies, though glowing in some respects (Numbers 13:27), was also full of dire foreboding (verses 28-29). Even though Caleb was granted entrance into the promised land by God, he still had to wander in the wilderness with the others for forty years. The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. WebExodus See all related content Caleb, in the Hebrew Bible ( Old Testament ), one of the spies sent by Moses from Kadesh-barnea in southern Palestine to reconnoitre the land of Canaan. 18 And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. They said they couldnt take the land because the people were bigger and stronger than them, and the land swallowed the inhabitants. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. (Judges 3:7-11, NIV). Their report was that the cities were large and had strong walls around them. How Can Christians Knock Down Fear of the Future? It is the traditional burial place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jacobs name, which meant supplanter, was changed to Israel because he would be called a prince of God. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Caleb. When the community let the other spies lather them into a panic, Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in lament and together implored the people, The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. Before entering the promised land God mapped out the land and assigned the12 leaders who would receive a portion of Canaan as an inheritance. At age 85, Caleb was still zealous and strong in faith and in matters pertaining to Gods will. The leadership of Joshua and Caleb, highlighted in the account of spying out the Promised Land, is well known to Bible students (Numbers 14). For those of us who went to kids church or Sunday school in the 90s, Im sure we all know the song about the 12 Men Went to Spy out Canaan, as it was a popular favorite back then. Calebs story in the Bible has three episodes, as a spy, a soldier, and a settler. Caleb is an important character found in the Old Testament. WebCaleb. According to Numbers 13, Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan. Calebs Mountain | Learn The Bible | LearnTheBible.org Caleb was ready to fight the battles that were his to fight. Although he isnt mentioned even once in the New Testament, we can still learn a great deal from him as followers of Christ. Daniel is happily married to Susanna, and they have 3 daughters and 2 sons. The leadership of Do not be afraid of them." Those who excel in God have a We can learn to trust in Gods help because we have been promised his help to do all things through Christ and that he always causes us to triumph in Christ.. Parting the Red Sea Bible Story Study Guide, Battle of Jericho Bible Story Study Guide, David and Goliath Bible Story Study Guide, Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story Study Guide, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. Caleb - Wikipedia His nephew Othniel, son of his brother, was successful. Meet Caleb: A Man Who Followed God Wholeheartedly. As God said, My servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly (Num. Caleb: Name Meaning Who was Caleb in the Bible? - Bible Portal But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land into where he went; and his seed shall possess it. Joshua 15:13-14And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of theLordto Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron. Following the initial report given to Moses, Caleb silenced the people who were already murmuring and complaining. They gave Moses this account: We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! WebMatthews account mentions two demon-possessed men. After 40 days of spying out the land during the beginning of the grape harvest, these spies brought back an amazing report. Caleb comes on the scene as one of Moses spies in Numbers 13, he makes a couple appearances in the book of Joshua, and then, in the first chapter of Judges, the first judge to lead Israel is none other than Othniel: The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. Living by faith in Jesus means living with belief, trust, and lifelong allegiance in him. Do not be afraid of them(Numbers 14:7-9). 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. We can learn God grace is ever abounding to us in our weakness. Only do not rebel against the Lord. What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Warfare? The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Joshua 15:13-17 shows how Caleb, with the help of his relative Othniel, took possession of the land he had been promised. There were many things to take into consideration. The Israelites had been told this promised land was the destination, it was a land flowing with milk and honey, and that it was inhabited by the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and the Jebusites. This song was written about the story found in Numbers 13, the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, or the Torah. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We can trust God to fulfill his promises to us with strength and vigor. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Still, we can learn much from this faithful leader in Israel. Fear did not control his life. How to Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus, How Churches Are Falling Away From Biblical Truth, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island Movie Review. He was silent those 40 years in the wilderness. I love how Caleb is recounting this promise to Joshua as a reason for his next ask. In the sixth verse, Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, is chosen from the tribe of Judah as one of the twelve leaders to follow the instructions of the Lord. And then again in Numbers 32 and 34. Caleb was born a slave in Goshen, in Egypt. Now give me this hill country that theLordpromised me that day. His descendants will possess their full share of that land. As Joshua 14:14 explains, So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly (NIV). [citation needed], In Modern Hebrew, the name is pronounced [kalev]; the modern English pronunciation /kelb/ is a result of the Great Vowel Shift. Caleb was the first to be listed. Caleb said to Joshua, Remember what Please help support Bible and more all for only $19.99 (1) Caleb, Son of Jephone, The Cenezite. Next post: 20 Inspiring Bible Verses From The Book of John. Do not be afraid of them. (Num. This might be due to the personal qualities of the Biblical Caleb, a companion of Moses and Joshua. The men who went with Caleb all died of a plague except Joshua and, of course, Caleb; they were the only two to survive. From each ancestral tribesend one of its leaders (Numbers 13:2). He is also referred to as Silvanus in Pauls Epistles (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:1 ). Subsequently, Caleb settled in Hebron (Kiriatharba) after driving out the three sons of Anak. Caleb was that kind of man. Characteristics of an Excellent Spirit Joshuas name means the Lord is my salvation. Davids name means beloved. Abraham means father of many. By contrast, Calebs name likely comes from the word for dog. Caleb certainly was dogged, as persistent and tenacious as a dog after a bone. Only do not rebel against the LORD. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. WebHis descendants will possess their full share of that land. While Caleb does not have as many verses dedicated to him in the Bible, what we are told in few words speaks volumes to who Caleb was as a dedicated servant of God. Caleb (in hebrew, Kalev ) was one of the most prominent and influential Jews to leave Egypt. There really were giants. But Caleb did not allow that to nullify the power of God. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. In Numbers 1:4546, how could Israel have an army this size? All rights reserved. Caleb spoke up for truth, even when he was in the minority. Sign up to receive a weekly newsletters highlighting our resources and new content to help equip you in your disciple making journey. 1:36, NIV). Jephunneh is called a Kenizzite (Numbers 32:12, Joshua 14:6,14). Only Caleb and Joshua advised the Hebrews to proceed immediately to take the land. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Verse 30 of chapter 13 reads "And Caleb stilled the people toward Moses, and said: 'We should go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Caleb (/kelb/), sometimes transliterated as Kaleb (Hebrew: , Kalev, Hebrew pronunciation:[kalev]; Tiberian vocalization: Kl; Hebrew Academy: Kalev), is a figure who appears in the Hebrew Bible as a representative of the Tribe of Judah during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He was also one of the only two Israelites who left Egypt with Moses that lived to make it into Canaan. Caleb gave his daughter and new son-in-law land along with springs of water (Josh. Since he exhibited each of these attributes, perhaps the name Caleb is appropriate after all. Caleb was 40 years old when he went into the land of Canaan on the reconnaissance mission. Numbers 26:65 For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. He is the editorial director for Renew.org as well as a part-time professor of philosophy for Ozark Christian College. This same nephew/son in law Othniel became the first judge in the book of Judges (Judges 3:9-11). 13:22). But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. Although he isnt mentioned even once in the New Testament, we can still learn a great deal from him as Who Were the Nephilim Giants of the Bible? Sadly, the people turned away from the land of Gods promise and wandered around in the wilderness for 40 years until all the adults, except Joshua and Caleb, died (Numbers 14:30; 26:65; 32:12). There really were giants. Why should we care about how the Israelites camped and traveled? Alone of their generation, Joshua and Caleb outlasted the rest who wandered and died in the wilderness. We last hear of him in connection with the marriage of his daughter Axa to his brother Othoniel ( Joshua 15:16-19 ; Judges 1:12-15 ). Art by Rivka Korf Studio. By now, Caleb was an old man, 85 years old, yet he convinced Joshua that he was as able and eager as ever to conquer the land God had promised. They spoke of walled cities, strong warriors and even giants. Part 1. Caleb in the Bible Followed God With His Whole Heart - Learn It is here he says, We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.. Traditional Jewish sources record a number of stories about Caleb which expand on the biblical account. He was the oldest man in the whole country of Israel when he spoke those words. Contrarily, the Kenizzites are also generally associated with Kenaz, the son of Esau, making them an Edomite clan (see Genesis 36:4043).[6]. The Spirit of the LORD came on him, so that he became Israels judge and went to war. In Numbers 13 Moses chose 12 men who were leaders in their tribes. WebHe is possessed by an evil spirit that wont let him talk. Caleb granted to his daughter and son in law a couple of springs along with their portion of the inheritance of the land (Joshua 15:16-19). He believed they were well able to prevail and trusted that God was with them. Numbers 14:6-9,24 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: , Joshua 14:6-8 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea, Psalm 27:1,2 A Psalm of David. 2:1). Part 1. Jim Servidio is a retired pastorof the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. Gods Spirit is the key to our going forward (Philippians 4:13) and receiving our promised inheritance in the Kingdom of God. The reason we know Calebs name (and not the others such as Igal, Palti, or Sethur) is that Caleb, along with Joshua, dissented from the other ten when the majority called for aborting the mission because the land was impossible to conquer. However, Michelles desire to write about Jesus, and passion to teach is what motivates her. This is on the basis of its being actually a compound word, a phenomenon quite common in ancient Hebrew. But Calebs eyes were set on the Lord, and He knew Gods plans would still come to pass! Caleb and Joshua, along with 10 other men, were sent into Canaan to see if the land was good or bad and whether the land that God had promised them was even worth fighting for (Numbers 13:17-20). Moses talking to God after Israelites have rejected the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb are spared. Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. 32:12). Joshua and Caleb were selected along with ten other men to explore the Promised Land and give a report to Moses and the people. Joshua and Caleb pleaded with the people to trust God for His promises. We know that both Joshua and Caleb attempted to reassure the people of Gods power. We soon find Calebs name present among those who are named in the story of Jericho. Moses also asked them to be courageous and to return with samples of local produce.[4]. Only Caleb and Joshua dared to contradict them. Clearly, Calebs age wasnt a prohibiting factor for God. Calebs courage wasnt a matter of brash boasts and chest thumping, as his descendant Nabal displayed. not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oathto their ancestors. So on that day Moses swore to me, The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. We are disciples of Jesus from various ethnicities, generations, nations, and communities and we champion all of Jesus teachings for disciple-making and disciple making movements. But what about Caleb? Joshua and Caleb are two Israelite men whose stories offer an example of faithful commitment to the Lord. Caleb not only outlived his rebellious peers, and successfully overtook his enemies, he also enjoyed a time of rest in his land. Calebs life sets an example for us of courage, and faithfulness in the face of difficulty. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified.

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