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Commentary on Joshua 14 verses 6–15
Before the lot was cast into the lap for the determining of the portions of the respective tribes, the particular portion of Caleb was assigned to him. He was now, except Joshua, not only the oldest man in all Israel, but was twenty years older than any of them, for all that were above twenty years old when he was forty were dead in the wilderness; it was fit therefore that this phoenix of his age should have some particular marks of honour put upon him in the dividing of the land. Now,
I. Caleb here presents his petition, or rather makes his demand, to have Hebron given him for a possession (this mountain he calls it, Jos 14:12), and not to have that put into the lot with the other parts of the country. To justify his demand, he shows that God had long since, by Moses, promised him that very mountain; so that God's mind being already made known in this matter it would be a vain and needless thing to consult it any further by casting lots, by which we are to appeal to God in those cases only which cannot otherwise be decided, not in those which, like this, are already determined. Caleb is here called the Kenezite, some think from some remarkable victory obtained by him over the Kenezites, as the Romans gave their great generals titles from the countries they conquered, as Africanus, Germanicus, etc. Observe,
1.To enforce his petition, (1.) He brings the children of Judah, that is, the heads and great men of that tribe, along with him, to present it, who were willing thus to pay their respects to that ornament of their tribe, and to testify their consent that he should be provided for by himself, and that they would not take it as any reflection upon the rest of this tribe. Caleb was the person whom God had chosen out of that tribe to be employed in dividing the land (Num 34:19), and therefore, lest he should seem to improve his authority as a commissioner for his own private advantage and satisfaction, he brings his brethren along with him, and waiving his own power, seems rather to rely upon their interest. (2.) He appeals to Joshua himself concerning the truth of the allegations upon which he grounded his petition: Thou knowest the thing, Jos 14:6. (3.) He makes a very honourable mention of Moses, which he knew would not be at all unpleasing to Joshua: Moses the man of God (Jos 14:6), and the servant of the Lord, Jos 14:7. What Moses said he took as from God himself, because Moses was his mouth and his agent, and therefore he had reason both to desire and expect that it should be made good. What can be more earnestly desired than the tokens of God's favour? And what more confidently expected than the grants of his promise?
2.In his petition he sets forth,
(1.)The testimony of his conscience concerning his integrity in the management of that great affair on which it proved the fare of Israel turned, the spying out of the land. Caleb was one of the twelve that were sent out on that errand (Jos 14:7), and he now reflected upon it with comfort, and mentioned it, not in pride, but as that which, being the consideration of the grant, was necessary to be inserted in the plea, [1.] That he made his report as it was in his heart, that is, he spoke as he thought when he spoke so honourably of the land of Canaan, so confidently of the power of God to put them in possession of it, and so contemptibly of the opposition that the Canaanites, even the Anakim themselves, could make against them, as we find he did, Num 13:30; Num 14:7-9. He did not do it merely to please Moses, or to keep the people quiet, much less from a spirit of contradiction to his fellows, but from a full conviction of the truth of what he said and a firm belief of the divine promise. [2.] That herein he wholly followed the Lord his God, that is, he kept close to his duty, and sincerely aimed at the glory of God in it. He conformed himself to the divine will with an eye to the divine favour. He had obtained this testimony from God himself (Num 14:24), and therefore it was not vain-glory in him to speak of it, any more than it is for those who have God's Spirit witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of God humbly and thankfully to tell others for their encouragement what God has done for their souls. Note, Those that follow God fully when they are young shall have both the credit and comfort of it when they are old, and the reward of it for ever in the heavenly Canaan. [3.] That he did this when all his brethren and companions in that service, except Joshua, did otherwise. They made the heart of the people melt (Jos 14:8), and how pernicious the consequences of it were was very well known. It adds much to the praise of following God if we adhere to him when others desert and decline from him. Caleb needed not to mention particularly Joshua's conduct in this matter; it was sufficiently known, and he would not seem to flatter him; it was enough to say (Jos 14:6), Thou knowest what the Lord spoke concerning me and thee.
(2.)The experience he had had of God's goodness to him ever since to this day. Though he had wandered with the rest in the wilderness, and had been kept thirty-eight years out of Canaan as they were, for that sin which he was so far from having a hand in that he had done his utmost to prevent it, yet, instead of complaining of this, he mentioned, to the glory of God, his mercy to him in two things: - [1.] That he was kept alive in the wilderness, not only notwithstanding the common perils and fatigues of that tedious march, but though all that generation of Israelites, except himself and Joshua, were one way or other cut off by death. With what a grateful sense of God's goodness to him does he speak it! (Jos 14:10). Now behold (behold and wonder) the Lord hath kept me alive these forty and five years, thirty-eight years in the wilderness, through the plagues of the desert, and seven years in Canaan through the perils of war! Note, First, While we live, it is God that keeps us alive; by his power he protects us from death, and by his bounty supplies us continually with the supports and comforts of life. He holdeth our soul in life. Secondly, The longer we live the more sensible we should be of God's goodness to us in keeping us alive, his care in prolonging our frail lives, his patience in prolonging our forfeited lives. Has he kept me alive these forty-five years? Is it about that time of life with us? Or is it more? Or is it less? We have reason to say, It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed. How much are we indebted to the favour of God, and what shall we render? Let the life thus kept by the providence of God be devoted to his praise. Thirdly, The death of many others round about us should make us the more thankful to God for sparing us and keeping us alive. Thousands falling on our right hand and our left and yet ourselves spared. These distinguishing favours impose on us strong obligations to singular obedience. [2.] That he was fit for business, now that he was in Canaan. Though eighty-five years old, yet as hearty and lively as when he was forty (Jos 14:11): As my strength was then, so is it now. This was the fruit of the promise, and out-did what was said; for God not only gives what he promises, but he gives more: life by promise shall be life, and health, and strength, and all that which will make the promised life a blessing and comfort. Moses had said in his prayer (Psa 90:10) that at eighty years old even their strength is labour and sorrow, and so it is most commonly. But Caleb was an exception to the rule; his strength at eighty-five was ease and joy: this he got by following the Lord fully. Caleb here takes notice of this to the glory of God, and as an excuse for his asking a portion which he must fetch out of the giants' hands. Let not Joshua tell him he knew not what he asked; could he get the possession of that which he begged for a title to? "Yes," says he, "why not? I am as fit for war now as ever I was."
(3.)The promise Moses had made him in God's name that he should have this mountain, Jos 14:9. This promise is his chief plea, and that on which he relies. As we find it (Num 14:24) it is general, him will I bring into the land whereunto he went, and his seed shall possess it; but it seems it was more particular, and Joshua knew it; both sides understood this mountain for which Caleb was now a suitor to be intended. This was the place from which, more than any other, the spies took their report, for here they met with the sons of Anak (Num 13:22), the sight of whom made such an impression upon them, Jos 14:3. We may suppose that Caleb, observing what stress they laid upon the difficulty of conquering Hebron, a city garrisoned by the giants, and how thence they inferred that the conquest of the whole land was utterly impracticable, in opposition to their suggestions, and to convince the people that he spoke as he thought, bravely desired to have that city which they called invincible assigned to himself for his own portion: "I will undertake to deal with that, and, if I cannot get it for my inheritance, I will be without." "Well," said Moses, "it shall be thy own then, win it and wear it." Such a noble heroic spirit Caleb had, and so desirous was he to inspire his brethren with it, that he chose this place only because it was the most difficult to be conquered. And, to show that his soul did not decay any more than his body, now forty-five years after he adheres to his choice and is still of the same mind.
(4.)The hopes he had of being master of it, though the sons of Anak were in possession of it (Jos 14:12): If the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out. The city of Hebron Joshua had already reduced (Jos 10:37), but the mountain which belonged to it, and which was inhabited by the sons of Anak, was yet unconquered; for though the cutting off of the Anakim from Hebron was mentioned Jos 11:21, because the historian would relate all the military actions together, yet it seems it was not conquered till after they had begun to divide the land. Observe, He builds his hopes of driving out the sons of Anak upon the presence of God with him. He does not say, "Because I am now as strong for war as I was at forty, therefore I shall drive them out," depending upon his personal valour; nor does he depend upon his interest in the warlike tribe of Judah, who attended him now in making this address, and no doubt would assist him; nor does he court Joshua's aid, or put it upon that, "If thou wilt be with me I shall gain my point." But, If the Lord will be with me. Here, [1.] He seems to speak doubtfully of God's being with him, not from any distrust of his goodness or faithfulness. He had spoken without the least hesitation of God's presence with Israel in general (Num 14:9); the Lord is with us. But for himself, from a humble sense of his own unworthiness of such a favour, he chooses to express himself thus, If the Lord will be with me. The Chaldee paraphrase reads it, If the Word of the Lord be my helper, that Word which is God, and in the fulness of time was made flesh, and is the captain of our salvation. [2.] But he expresses without the least doubt his assurance that if God were with him he should be able to dispossess the sons of Anak. "If God be with us, If God be for us, who can be against us, so as to prevail?" It is also intimated that if God were not with him, though all the forces of Israel should come in to his assistance, he should not be able to gain his point. Whatever we undertake, God's favourable presence with us is all in all to our success; this therefore we must earnestly pray for, and carefully make sure of, by keeping ourselves in the love of God; and on this we must depend, and from this take our encouragement against the greatest difficulties.
3.Upon the whole matter, Caleb's request is (Jos 14:12), Give me this mountain, (1.) Because it was formerly in God's promise, and he would let Israel know how much he valued the promise, insisting upon this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day, as most desirable, though perhaps as good a portion might have fallen to him by lot in common with the rest. Those that live by faith value that which is given by promise far above that which is given by providence only. (2.) Because it was now in the Anakim's possession, and he would let Israel know how little he feared the enemy, and would by his example animate them to push on their conquests. Herein Caleb answered his name, which signifies all heart.
II. Joshua grants his petition (Jos 14:13): Joshua blessed him, commended his bravery, applauded his request, and gave him what he asked. He also prayed for him, and for his good success in his intended undertaking against the sons of Anak. Joshua was both a prince and a prophet, and upon both accounts it was proper for him to give Caleb his blessing, for the less is blessed of the better. Hebron was settled on Caleb and his heirs (Jos 14:14), because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. And happy are we if we follow him. Note, Singular piety shall be crowned with singular favours. Now, 1. We are here told what Hebron had been, the city of Arba, a great man among the Anakim (Jos 14:15); we find it called Kirjath-arba (Gen 23:2), as the place where Sarah died. Hereabouts Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived most of their time in Canaan, and near to it was the cave of Machpelah, where they were buried, which perhaps had led Caleb hither when he went to spy out the land, and had made him covet this rather than any other part for his inheritance. 2. We are afterwards told what Hebron was. (1.) It was one of the cities belonging to priests (Jos 21:13), and a city of refuge, Jos 20:7. When Caleb had it, he contented himself with the country about it, and cheerfully gave the city to the priests, the Lord's ministers, thinking it could not be better bestowed, no, not upon his own children, nor that it was the less his own for being thus devoted to God. (2.) It was a royal city, and, in the beginning of David's reign, the metropolis of the kingdom of Judah; thither the people resorted to him, and there he reigned seven years. Thus highly was Caleb's city honoured; it is a pity there should have been such a blemish upon his family long after as Nabal was, who was of the house of Caleb, Sa1 25:3. But the best men cannot entail their virtues.
A brother asked John, ‘What shall I do? A brother keeps coming and taking me away to help with the work which he is doing: but I am poor and ill, and too weak to do it. How can I obey God’s commandment?’ He answered him, ‘Caleb the son of Jephunneh said to Joshua the son of Nun, “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me with you to that country and now I am eighty-five. Then I was strong: and I am still just as capable of beginning and ending a battle” (cf. Josh. 14:6, 10–11). So go with him and see if you finish the work as well as you begin it. If you can’t, sit in your cell and lament your sins. If they find you weeping when they come, they will not force you to go with them.’
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SUMMARY
Joshua 14:11 captures the remarkable declaration of Caleb, an eighty-five-year-old patriarch, as he stands before Joshua. He asserts that his physical and spiritual vigor remains undiminished, mirroring the strength he possessed 45 years prior when Moses first dispatched him as a spy into Canaan. This profound statement is not a mere boast but a powerful testament to God's sustaining faithfulness and Caleb's unwavering trust in divine promises, expressing his readiness to confront formidable adversaries and claim his long-awaited inheritance. It encapsulates a life lived in active, enduring faith, demonstrating God's empowerment for His purposes across a lifetime.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 14:11 is strategically placed within the book of Joshua, specifically during the allocation of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes (Joshua 13-19). Following the major military campaigns that secured initial control of the land, the narrative transitions from conquest to inheritance. Caleb's personal request for Hebron, a region still occupied by the formidable Anakim, serves as a powerful interlude amidst the detailed geographical descriptions of tribal allotments. This moment highlights the individual faith and divine reward that underpin the national enterprise of possessing the promised land. It underscores the principles of courage, obedience, and faithfulness that Joshua himself was repeatedly exhorted to embody, particularly in God's charge to Joshua at the beginning of the book. Caleb's example provides a living illustration of these virtues.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Joshua 14 unfold approximately 45 years after the Exodus from Egypt, following the generation of wilderness wandering. Caleb, at 85 years old, is one of only two individuals (the other being Joshua) from the original twelve spies sent by Moses who brought back a report of faith, trusting God to deliver the land despite the imposing presence of giants (Numbers 13:30). The fear and unbelief of the other ten spies led to God's judgment, condemning that entire generation to perish in the wilderness, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:26-35). Caleb's longevity and sustained strength are therefore a direct and miraculous fulfillment of God's specific promise to him for his wholehearted faithfulness (Numbers 14:24). Culturally, while old age was respected, active military leadership was typically the domain of younger, more physically robust men. Caleb's assertion defies these societal norms, showcasing an extraordinary physical and spiritual vitality that transcends typical human limitations, serving as a powerful testament to divine empowerment.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes. First, it underscores Unwavering Faith and Endurance, as Caleb's confidence in God's promises remains steadfast over 45 years of waiting, hardship, and the death of an entire generation. Second, it highlights God's Faithfulness, demonstrating how God meticulously fulfills His word, even decades later, to those who implicitly trust and obey Him. Caleb's sustained strength is a direct, tangible testament to divine preservation and covenant fidelity. Third, it exemplifies Courage and Readiness for Battle, as Caleb, at an advanced age, volunteers for the most challenging military task—conquering the formidable Anakim. This resonates with the overarching call for courage that defines the entire book of Joshua, particularly emphasized in Joshua 1:6-9. Finally, Caleb's declaration is intrinsically linked to the theme of Claiming Inheritance, emphasizing the active pursuit and possession of God's promised blessings, rather than passively awaiting their arrival. His vigor is purposefully directed towards the tangible realization of God's covenant promises.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Caleb's declaration in Joshua 14:11 is infused with significant literary artistry that amplifies its impact. The most prominent device is Hyperbole, where Caleb's claim of being "as strong this day as I was... in the day that Moses sent me" is a powerful exaggeration used to emphasize his extraordinary vitality and readiness. While he may not possess the exact physical peak of a 40-year-old, the statement effectively conveys his undiminished spirit, courage, and functional capacity for war. This hyperbole serves to highlight the miraculous nature of God's sustaining power in his life. There is also a strong element of Contrast or Irony present; Caleb's robust health and eagerness for battle at 85 years old stand in stark contrast to the natural decline of aging and, more significantly, to the entire generation that perished in the wilderness due to their lack of faith. His life is a living testament against the consequences of unbelief. Finally, the phrase "to go out, and to come in" functions as a well-known Idiom, signifying complete freedom of action and full capability, particularly in military contexts. This idiomatic expression succinctly conveys Caleb's comprehensive readiness for all aspects of leadership and combat.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Caleb's declaration is a profound testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering faithfulness of God. His sustained strength, defying the natural effects of aging and the weariness of decades, is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to him for his singular faithfulness during the spy mission (Numbers 14:24). This narrative powerfully illustrates that God not only remembers His promises but also actively empowers and preserves those who wholeheartedly trust and obey Him, enabling them to fulfill His purposes regardless of their circumstances or age. Caleb's example challenges believers to maintain a vibrant, active faith throughout their lives, always ready to engage in God's work and claim the spiritual inheritance promised in Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's vibrant declaration in Joshua 14:11 offers a timeless and inspiring model for believers today. His story reminds us that genuine faith is not passive but active, enduring, and courageous. It is a faith that trusts God's promises over decades, even when circumstances seem to contradict them, and a faith that eagerly embraces challenges, seeing them as opportunities for God to display His power. Caleb's willingness to confront the formidable Anakim at 85 years old challenges us to identify the "giants" in our own lives—whether they are personal fears, spiritual strongholds, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or even the limitations we impose upon ourselves—and to approach them with God-given strength and courage. His life demonstrates that God can sustain and empower His servants for a lifetime of fruitful service, proving that age is not a barrier to divine purpose. We are called to live with the same unwavering commitment, ready "to go out, and to come in" for the Lord, actively pursuing the spiritual inheritance and calling He has placed before us, confident in His faithfulness to complete what He has begun.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How could Caleb be "as strong" at 85 as he was at 40?
Answer: Caleb's declaration should be understood primarily as a testament to God's miraculous sustaining power and his undiminished spiritual vitality, rather than a purely literal claim of identical physical prowess. While he was undoubtedly physically robust for his age, the emphasis is on his unwavering courage and readiness for war, which were supernaturally maintained. His strength was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to him in Numbers 14:24, where God promised to preserve him because he had "a different spirit" and "followed me wholeheartedly." This divine preservation allowed him to maintain a remarkable level of functional strength and mental resolve, enabling him to fulfill his God-given purpose. It's a theological statement about God's faithfulness and empowerment, not merely a medical assessment. A similar divine preservation is seen in Moses, who at 120 years old, still had undimmed eyes and undiminished vigor (Deuteronomy 34:7).
What is the significance of Caleb wanting to fight the Anakim?
Answer: The Anakim were a race of formidable giants, descendants of Anak, known for their great stature and strength. They were precisely the kind of inhabitants that had terrified the other ten spies 45 years earlier, leading to Israel's rebellion and the subsequent wilderness wandering (Numbers 13:33). By specifically requesting the territory of Hebron, which was inhabited by the Anakim, Caleb demonstrated his unwavering faith and courage. He was not seeking an easy inheritance but was eager to confront the very obstacle that had previously caused his generation to stumble. This act underscored his complete trust in God's ability to deliver, proving that his faith was not just theoretical but actively engaged in overcoming the greatest challenges. His victory over them, described in Joshua 15:14, serves as a powerful symbol of faith conquering fear.
Does this verse suggest that age is irrelevant to God's call?
Answer: Absolutely. Caleb's story profoundly illustrates that God's call and empowerment are not limited by human age or conventional physical limitations. At 85, when most would expect retirement, Caleb was still ready for the most demanding tasks of war and leadership. This narrative encourages believers of all ages to remain active and engaged in God's kingdom work. It emphasizes that God sustains and uses individuals throughout their lives, often bestowing unique wisdom, spiritual power, and seasoned experience in later years. The key is a heart that "wholly follows the Lord" (Joshua 14:8), demonstrating that faithfulness and a willing spirit are far more crucial than chronological age in fulfilling God's purposes. God's strength is made perfect in weakness, enabling His servants to accomplish His will regardless of their human limitations.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's unwavering faith and sustained strength in Joshua 14:11 find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Caleb, empowered by God, courageously sought to claim his earthly inheritance and overcome physical giants. Yet, Christ is the true and ultimate Inheritor, through whom believers receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance that far surpasses any earthly land (Ephesians 1:11). Where Caleb's strength was miraculous but still human, Jesus possesses inherent divine strength, overcoming not just physical adversaries but the ultimate "giants" of sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15). Caleb's enduring vitality foreshadows the spiritual vitality and eternal life that Christ offers to all who believe, empowering them to "go out and come in" in spiritual warfare, not by their own might, but through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Jesus is the faithful one who never wavers, whose strength is perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and through whom we are more than conquerors, inheriting not a piece of land, but eternal life and a secure place in God's heavenly kingdom (Romans 8:37). He is the true Joshua, leading His people into their ultimate rest and inheritance.