Caleb

Lore & Background

Caleb is related to the Hebrew word for 'dog' (כֶּלֶב, keleḇ), with The Jewish Encyclopedia reporting that the animal is thought to be 'the totem of a clan'. Caleb, son of Jephunneh, was a member of the tribe of Judah (Book of Numbers, Numbers 13:6). His relationship to Caleb, son of Hezron, an earlier descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:3–9) is unclear. According to Numbers 13, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan. Caleb's report balanced the appeal of the land and its fruits with the challenge of making a conquest. Caleb and Joshua said the people should trust God and go into the land; the other ten spies argued that conquering the land was impossible. Caleb the spy is the son of Jephunneh, who is called a Kenizzite (Numbers 32:12, Joshua 14:6,14). The Kenizzites are listed as one of the nations associated with the land of Canaan at the time that God made a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:19). However, Caleb is mentioned alongside the descendants of Judah recorded in 1 Chronicles 4: 'And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah: Kenaz' (1 Chronicles 4:15). Numbers 13:6, likewise, lists Caleb as a tribal leader in Judah. Contrarily, the Kenizzites are also generally associated with Kenaz, the son of Esau, making them an Edomite clan (see Genesis 36:40–43). In the aftermath of the conquest, Caleb asks Joshua to give him a mountain in property within the land of Judah, and Joshua blesses him as a sign of God's blessing and approval, giving him Hebron (Joshua 14). Since Hebron itself was one of the Cities of Refuge to be ruled by the Levites, it is later explained that Caleb actually was given the outskirts (Joshua 21:11–13). Caleb promised his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would conquer the land of Debir from the giants. This was eventually accomplished by Othniel Ben Kenaz, Caleb's nephew (Judges 1:13), who became Caleb's son-in-law as well (Joshua 15:16,17). 1 Samuel 25:3 states that Nabal, the husband of Abigail before David, was 'a Calebite' (Hebrew klby). It is not stated whether this refers to one of the Calebs mentioned in the Bible, or another person bearing the same name. Traditional Jewish sources record a number of stories about Caleb which expand on the biblical account. Jewish traditions identify Mered with Caleb, and his wife Bithiah with the princess who rescued Moses fr

Reader's Guide

Caleb is a key figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as a faithful spy from the Tribe of Judah. He is described as a Kenizzite and received Hebron after the conquest. His name is related to the Hebrew word for 'dog'. He is also referenced indirectly in the Quran.

Did You Know?

• Caleb's name is related to the Hebrew word for 'dog' (כֶּלֶב, keleḇ).
• Caleb was one of only two spies (along with Joshua) who urged the Israelites to trust God and enter Canaan.
• Caleb is described as a Kenizzite, a term also associated with an Edomite clan.
• Caleb's daughter Achsah was given in marriage to Othniel Ben Kenaz, Caleb's nephew, after he conquered Debir.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Caleb appears in the Hebrew Bible as a representative of the Tribe of Judah during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land." — Caleb "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." — Caleb "Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land." — Caleb