Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, is first introduced in Numbers 13 as one of the twelve men sent by Moses to spy out the land of Canaan. He was from the tribe of Judah and, along with Joshua, gave a faithful report, encouraging Israel to trust God and take possession of the land. He said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).
The majority of the spies brought back a fearful report, and the people rebelled. Because of this, God declared that all the adult generation would perish in the wilderness, except for Joshua and Caleb. The Lord said of Caleb, “he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully” (Numbers 14:24). This statement reveals Caleb’s wholehearted devotion and trust in God’s promise, even when it was unpopular.
Caleb is later mentioned in Joshua 14:6–14. At 85 years old, he reminded Joshua of the promise Moses made to him and asked for the hill country of Hebron, saying, “Give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke… It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out” (Joshua 14:12). Caleb’s strength and faith had not diminished, and he conquered the Anakim, the giants who had caused the Israelites to fear decades earlier.
Hebron was given to Caleb as an inheritance “because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 14:14). His faith, courage, and perseverance made him a model of unwavering devotion.
Caleb’s life demonstrates that God’s promises are sure, even if their fulfillment is delayed. His boldness at both a young and old age shows that faith does not weaken over time when it is rooted in the Lord. Caleb stands as a reminder to trust God’s Word above human fear and to serve Him wholeheartedly.
