Numbers 14:38

But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men that went to search the land, lived [still].

But Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312}, which were of the men {H1992}{H582} that went {H1980} to search {H8446} the land {H776}, lived {H2421} still.

Of the men who went to reconnoiter the land, only Y'hoshua the son of Nun and Kalev the son of Y'funeh remained alive.

Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.

But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, remained alive of those men that went to spy out the land.

Commentary

Numbers 14:38 is a pivotal verse that highlights God's faithfulness to those who trust Him, even amidst widespread rebellion and divine judgment. It serves as a stark contrast to the fate of the disobedient Israelite generation.

Context

This verse comes at a critical juncture in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. After escaping Egypt, they arrived at the border of the Promised Land. Twelve spies, one from each tribe, were sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-2). Upon their return, ten of the spies gave a fearful report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, which caused the people to lose heart and rebel against God and Moses (Numbers 14:1-4). They even proposed choosing a new leader and returning to Egypt. In response to this widespread unbelief and rebellion, God declared that the entire generation of Israelites aged twenty and above, except for Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:29-35).

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness Rewarded: Joshua and Caleb are singled out for their unwavering faith and courage. While the other ten spies instilled fear and doubt, Joshua and Caleb urged the people to trust in God's power and promises, declaring that they could certainly overcome the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 14:7-9). Their survival underscores the principle that God honors those who honor Him.
  • Divine Preservation: This verse demonstrates God's specific act of preservation. Amidst a decree of death and wandering for an entire generation, Joshua and Caleb were explicitly exempted. Their lives were spared, and they were permitted to enter and possess the land God had promised.
  • Contrast with Unbelief: The survival of Joshua and Caleb stands in stark contrast to the fate of the rebellious generation. It highlights the severe consequences of unbelief and disobedience versus the blessings of faith and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lived still" emphasizes their continued existence and preservation through the forty years of wilderness wandering. It signifies their unique status as the only two adult men from that generation who would fulfill the promise of entering Canaan. Numbers 14:24 also notes that Caleb had "another spirit," meaning a different attitude—one of full devotion and faith in the Lord, which sets him and Joshua apart.

Practical Application

Numbers 14:38 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Stand Firm in Faith: The example of Joshua and Caleb encourages us to cultivate a spirit of faith, even when faced with overwhelming odds or when the majority doubts. Our trust should be in God's promises and power, not in our own strength or the circumstances around us.
  • Consequences of Choice: This verse serves as a sober reminder that our choices have consequences. Unbelief and disobedience can lead to missed blessings, while faith and obedience lead to divine favor and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
  • God Honors Faith: God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. Just as He preserved Joshua and Caleb, He continues to bless and guide those who walk in obedience and trust Him completely. Their story is further elaborated as they finally enter the land (see Joshua 14:6-14).
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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 26:65

    For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

  • Joshua 14:6

    ¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

  • Joshua 14:10

    And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while [the children of] Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I [am] this day fourscore and five years old.
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