Joshua 14:7

Forty years old [was] I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as [it was] in mine heart.

Forty {H705} years {H8141} old {H1121} was I when Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} me from Kadeshbarnea {H6947} to espy out {H7270} the land {H776}; and I brought {H7725} him word {H1697} again {H7725} as it was in mine heart {H3824}.

I was forty years old when Moshe the servant of ADONAI sent me from Kadesh-Barnea to reconnoiter the land, and I brought back to him an honest report.

I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report.

Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of Jehovah sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.

Commentary

Joshua 14:7 is part of a powerful speech by Caleb, who, at 85 years old, recounts his unwavering faithfulness to God and Moses. This verse sets the stage for Caleb's request for his inheritance in the Promised Land, specifically the mountainous region of Hebron.

Context

This verse takes us back to a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the reconnaissance mission into Canaan. Forty-five years prior to this declaration, Moses sent twelve spies from Kadeshbarnea to assess the land God promised to Abraham's descendants. Caleb, alongside Joshua, was one of these spies. While ten of the spies returned with a discouraging report, spreading fear and doubt among the Israelites, Caleb and Joshua brought back a positive and courageous assessment, grounded in faith that God would deliver the land to them. This act of faith led to God's special promise to Caleb, as recorded in Numbers 14:24, that he and his descendants would inherit the land upon which his feet had trod.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness and Integrity: Caleb's statement, "I brought him word again as it was in mine heart," underscores his profound integrity and unwavering faith in God's power and promises. He didn't waver or succumb to the fear of the giants in the land, unlike the other spies. This commitment set him apart.
  • Courage and Conviction: Despite the overwhelming negative report from the majority, Caleb stood firm in his conviction. His bravery in speaking truth, even when unpopular, is a testament to his trust in the Lord. This courage is a hallmark of his character throughout the wilderness wandering and the conquest of Canaan.
  • Patience and Divine Fulfillment: Forty-five years elapsed between the spying mission and Caleb's request for his inheritance. This period included the entire forty years of wilderness wandering, a direct consequence of Israel's disbelief (Numbers 14:33). Caleb's story highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even after a long wait, to those who remain steadfast.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as it was in mine heart" translates the Hebrew k'asher im-l'vavi (כַּאֲשֶׁר עִם־לְבָבִי). The Hebrew word levav (heart) in this context refers not merely to emotion but to the entire inner being—mind, will, and affections. Thus, Caleb's report was not just an opinion, but a deep-seated conviction born of his complete trust in God. It was a report of truth, reflecting his inner disposition of faith, rather than fear or doubt.

Practical Application

Caleb's testimony in Joshua 14:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of unwavering faith and integrity, even when facing formidable obstacles or when the majority holds a different, less faithful view. His example encourages us to speak truth with conviction, trusting in God's promises regardless of how long it takes for them to materialize. Caleb reminds us that steadfastness in faith ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's blessings, even if the path is long and arduous. His story inspires us to claim the spiritual inheritance God has prepared for us, just as he claimed his physical inheritance.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:6 (4 votes)

    Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

  • Numbers 14:6 (2 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 14:10 (2 votes)

    But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

  • Numbers 13:26 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.

  • Numbers 13:33 (2 votes)

    And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

  • Numbers 13:16 (2 votes)

    These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

  • Numbers 13:20 (2 votes)

    And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes.