You
will find what we know about Caleb in the Books of Numbers and Joshua. Caleb was the
son of Jephunneh of the tribe of Judah. Numbers lists him among the 12 Moses sent to
reconnoiter the land of Canaan (Chapters 13—14). They were told to report on the
population of the land, their military strength, the fertility of the soil, etc.
All recognized the bounty of the crops.
But none besides Caleb urged trying to take possession. The others were fearful and
defeatist.
When the people threatened revolt
and rejection of Moses and Aaron, Caleb with Joshua urged fidelity to God. Because of Caleb's "different spirit," God
promised to bring him into the promised land along with Joshua while those rebelling
wander in the desert without entering the land.
In Joshua 14—15 Caleb reminded Joshua,
who succeeded Moses, of God's promise. Joshua then gave Hebron to Caleb and Caleb drove
out the Anakim people.
|