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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.
However, he [the Lord] said they should not come to that land which they had refused, as a penalty for their unbelief; but their children and wives, who had not murmured, and who, owing to their sex and age, were guiltless, should receive the promised inheritance of that land. So the bodies of those of twenty years old and upwards fell in the desert. The punishment of the rest was put aside. But they who had gone up with Joshua, and had thought fit to dissuade the people, died without delay of a great plague. Joshua and Caleb entered the land of promise together with those who were innocent by reason of age or sex. The better part, therefore, preferred glory to safety; the worse part safety to virtue. But the divine judgment approved those who thought virtue was above what is useful, while it condemned those who preferred what seemed more in accordance with safety than with what is virtuous.
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 14:7 presents Caleb's powerful testimony of unwavering faith and integrity, recounting the foundational moment, 45 years prior, when Moses commissioned him from Kadesh-barnea to scout the Promised Land. Despite the widespread fear and doubt among his peers, Caleb delivered a report that genuinely reflected his deep conviction and trust in God's promises, thereby laying the groundwork for his rightful claim to a specific inheritance in the land of Canaan.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 14:7 employs several powerful literary devices to emphasize Caleb's character and the significance of his claim. Recapitulation is central, as Caleb recounts a foundational event from Israel's past, reminding Joshua and the audience of his consistent character and God's enduring promises. This act of remembering serves to validate his current request for inheritance, connecting his present reward directly to his past faithfulness. The verse also features implicit Contrast, setting Caleb's faithful report against the unfaithful report of the other ten spies, a contrast explicitly detailed elsewhere in the Pentateuch. This highlights Caleb's exceptionalism and the divine favor bestowed upon him for his distinct response. Furthermore, the phrase "as it was in mine heart" functions as a form of Metonymy, where "heart" stands for the entire inner being—mind, will, and convictions. This emphasizes the depth and sincerity of Caleb's faith, making his testimony a powerful declaration of integrity and spiritual resolve that transcends mere outward action.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Caleb's testimony in Joshua 14:7 serves as a profound theological statement about the enduring nature of God's promises and the blessed outcome of unwavering faith. His declaration, made 45 years after the initial spying mission, demonstrates that God's covenantal faithfulness extends across generations and through long periods of waiting. Caleb's integrity, evidenced by his report being "as it was in mine heart," underscores the biblical emphasis on internal disposition over external appearance or popular opinion. His story is a powerful reminder that genuine faith, even when it stands against the majority, is honored and ultimately rewarded by God, leading to the fulfillment of divine blessings and inheritance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's steadfastness over 45 years, from the initial spying mission to his courageous claim of inheritance, offers a compelling model for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by instant gratification, wavering commitment, and the pursuit of popular opinion, Caleb's patient endurance and unwavering faith in God's promises stand as a powerful counter-narrative. His integrity, reflected in his report being "as it was in mine heart," challenges us to cultivate an inner life that is genuinely aligned with God's truth, unswayed by fear, doubt, or the pressures of popular opinion. We are called to speak and live with conviction, trusting that God will fulfill His word in His perfect timing, even if the path is long and arduous. Caleb's story encourages us to embrace our spiritual inheritance in Christ with the same courageous faith, knowing that God honors those who wholeheartedly follow Him, enabling us to overcome the "giants" in our own lives and claim the blessings He has prepared for us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of Caleb being "forty years old" at the time of the spying mission?
Answer: Caleb's age of forty signifies that he was in the prime of his life, a mature and capable individual, when he was chosen by Moses to participate in the critical reconnaissance mission into Canaan. This detail emphasizes that his faithful report was not born of youthful naiveté but from a seasoned conviction and trust in God. It also sets the stage for the remarkable longevity and sustained strength he exhibits at 85 years old (Joshua 14:10-11), highlighting God's blessing on his faithfulness over a long period. This age also means he was part of the generation that was condemned to die in the wilderness, yet he was one of only two (along with Joshua) who survived to enter the Promised Land due to his faithfulness.
How did Caleb's report differ from that of the other ten spies mentioned in Numbers?
Answer: While all twelve spies saw the same land and its formidable inhabitants, their reports diverged dramatically due to their underlying faith. The ten unfaithful spies focused on the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, concluding that Israel could not conquer the land, thereby spreading fear and discouraging the people (Numbers 13:31-33). Caleb, along with Joshua, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized God's power and faithfulness, asserting that "We should go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30). His report, as stated in Joshua 14:7, came "as it was in mine heart," reflecting an unshakeable trust in God's promise to give them the land, regardless of the obstacles.
What does "as it was in mine heart" truly mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "as it was in mine heart" (כַּאֲשֶׁר עִם־לְבָבִי, k'asher im-l'vavi) signifies Caleb's profound integrity and the complete alignment of his inner being with God's truth. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (levav) represents the totality of one's intellect, will, conscience, and affections. Therefore, Caleb's report was not a mere superficial observation or a politically motivated statement. Instead, it was a deep-seated conviction, an honest and courageous expression of his faith and trust in God's power and promises, uncompromised by fear or external pressures. It means his words genuinely reflected his internal spiritual disposition, demonstrating a wholehearted devotion to the Lord that distinguished him from his peers.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's unwavering faith and the subsequent fulfillment of God's promise to him in Joshua 14:7-15 powerfully foreshadow the greater spiritual inheritance offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Caleb, through his steadfast trust in God's word, entered and possessed his promised land, believers today, by faith in Christ, enter into the spiritual realities of God's kingdom and receive an eternal inheritance. Caleb's integrity, his report being "as it was in mine heart," prefigures the New Covenant promise of God writing His laws on our hearts, transforming our inner being and enabling genuine obedience (Jeremiah 31:33). His long wait for inheritance, yet his eventual possession of it, mirrors the Christian's patient endurance for the full revelation of their inheritance in Christ, which is imperishable, undefiled, and kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Ultimately, Caleb's victory over the Anakim in Hebron (Joshua 14:12) points to Christ's decisive and ultimate victory over sin, death, and all spiritual forces of evil, securing for us an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly land (Colossians 2:15). He is the true and ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!, making all spiritual inheritance possible through His atoning work and resurrection.