Caleb

Lore & Background

Caleb was one of the twelve men sent to search the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:6). When the other spies brought back a fearful report, Caleb stilled the people before Moses and urged them to go up at once, declaring, 'we are well able to overcome it' (Numbers 13:30). Along with Joshua, he rent his clothes in distress over the people's rebellion (Numbers 14:6). Because Caleb had 'another spirit with him' and followed the LORD fully, God promised to bring him into the land and give it to his descendants (Numbers 14:24). He and Joshua were the only men of that generation allowed to enter the land (Numbers 14:30; Numbers 26:65; Deuteronomy 1:36). Caleb is repeatedly described as having 'wholly followed the LORD' (Numbers 32:12; Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:14). Years later, Caleb approached Joshua in Gilgal and reminded him of the LORD's promise (Joshua 14:6). Joshua blessed him and gave him Hebron as an inheritance (Joshua 14:13-14). Caleb then drove out the three sons of Anak from Hebron (Joshua 15:13-14). He also offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captured Kirjathsepher; his nephew Othniel succeeded, and Caleb gave Achsah to him (Joshua 15:16-17). When Achsah asked for a field, Caleb granted her request (Joshua 15:18).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Caleb as a man of unwavering faith and courage. As a spy, he alone (with Joshua) urged immediate conquest, trusting God's promise despite the apparent obstacles (Numbers 13:30). His 'other spirit' and full devotion to the LORD set him apart from the rest of his generation (Numbers 14:24). God's repeated commendation of Caleb—that he 'wholly followed the LORD'—is the central theme of his portrayal (Numbers 32:12; Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:14). This faithfulness resulted in the unique privilege of surviving the wilderness and entering the promised land (Numbers 14:38; Numbers 26:65). Later, Caleb's actions demonstrate continued faith: he claims his promised inheritance of Hebron (Joshua 14:13-14), defeats the Anakim (Joshua 15:14), and provides for his daughter's future (Joshua 15:16-18). The passages consistently present Caleb as a model of wholehearted obedience and divine reward.

Did You Know?

• Caleb was from the tribe of Judah (Numbers 13:6; Numbers 34:19).
• He is also called a Kenezite (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6, 14).
• Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies who lived after the wilderness generation died (Numbers 14:38; Numbers 26:65).
• Caleb's daughter Achsah was given in marriage to Othniel, his brother's son (Joshua 15:16-17).

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