Numbers 13:30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

And Caleb {H3612} stilled {H2013} the people {H5971} before Moses {H4872}, and said {H559}, Let us go up {H5927} at once {H5927}, and possess {H3423} it; for we are well able {H3201} to overcome {H3201} it.

Kalev silenced the people around Moshe and said, "We ought to go up immediately and take possession of it; there is no question that we can conquer it."

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 13:30 (KJV)

This pivotal verse captures the moment of stark contrast during the report of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan. While ten spies focused on the difficulties and dangers—mentioning the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities—Caleb, one of the twelve, stepped forward with a different spirit.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Israelites were at Kadesh-barnea, on the border of the promised land, ready to enter. Moses had sent one leader from each tribe to explore the land for forty days (Numbers 13:1-25). The majority report instilled fear and discouraged the people, leading to murmuring and rebellion against Moses and God. Caleb's response in verse 30 directly addresses this rising panic and unbelief.

Key Themes

  • Faith vs. Fear: The verse highlights the conflict between viewing circumstances through the lens of human limitations (fear) versus God's power and promise (faith).
  • Courage and Boldness: Caleb demonstrates remarkable courage by speaking against the prevailing fearful narrative and the agitated crowd.
  • Trust in God's Promise: Caleb's conviction that "we are well able to overcome it" is rooted not in Israel's strength, but in their trust that God, who brought them out of Egypt, would enable them to possess the land He promised.
  • Taking Possession: The call to "go up at once, and possess it" reflects the divine mandate and the readiness required to step into God's blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stilled the people" comes from the Hebrew word damam (דָּמַם), meaning to be silent, quiet, or still. Caleb actively quieted the agitated crowd before presenting his contrasting view. The declaration "we are well able" uses a repetition of the Hebrew verb yakol (יָכֹל), rendered as yakol yakol, which provides strong emphasis, meaning "certainly able" or "quite able." This highlights Caleb's absolute conviction rooted in God's ability.

Commentary and Explanation

While the ten spies focused on the obstacles (giants, fortified cities) and concluded, "We be not able to go up against the people" (Numbers 13:31), Caleb's perspective was different. He saw the same land and the same inhabitants, but his faith in God's power overshadowed the perceived difficulties. His call to action, "Let us go up at once, and possess it," was a direct challenge to the fear-mongering and a bold affirmation of God's faithfulness. This moment sets Caleb and Joshua apart, leading to God's promise that they alone among that generation would enter the land (Numbers 14:29-30).

Practical Application

Numbers 13:30 serves as a powerful reminder that our perspective in facing challenges matters greatly. Like the Israelites, we often face "giants" and "fortified cities" in life—difficult circumstances, overwhelming obstacles, or discouraging reports. Caleb's response teaches us to quiet the noise of fear and doubt, look beyond the immediate difficulties, and focus on God's power and promises. His faith-filled declaration encourages us to believe that with God, we are truly "well able" to overcome challenges and step into the blessings He has for us, whether they be spiritual growth, overcoming sin, or pursuing God-given goals. It calls us to replace fear with faith and hesitation with decisive action based on trust in God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 14:24 (9 votes)

    But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

  • Romans 8:31 (9 votes)

    ¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

  • Philippians 4:13 (8 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Psalms 60:12 (7 votes)

    Through God we shall do valiantly: for he [it is that] shall tread down our enemies.

  • Numbers 14:6 (6 votes)

    And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

  • Numbers 14:9 (6 votes)

    Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.

  • Isaiah 41:10 (5 votes)

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.