“Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is attributed to Moses and serves as a record of his final speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is recounting the Israelites’ disobedience and lack of faith during their journey through the wilderness.
Caleb’s Faithfulness:Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. When the majority of the spies brought back a negative report filled with fear and discouragement, Caleb stood firm in his trust in God’s promise. He fully followed the Lord, displaying unwavering faith, and believed that God would give them victory over the inhabitants of the land.
God’s Promise:Despite the Israelites’ rebellion and their subsequent forty years of wandering in the wilderness, God makes a special promise to Caleb. God declares that Caleb, as well as his descendants, will inherit the land that he had explored. This serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and reward for Caleb’s faith.
Wholehearted Devotion:Caleb’s distinction lies in his wholehearted devotion to the Lord. He did not allow the discouragement of others or the challenges they faced to deter him from trusting in God’s promises. Caleb’s faithfulness and trust in God set him apart and resulted in a unique blessing for him and his descendants.
Application:Deuteronomy 1:36 encourages believers to exhibit faith and unwavering trust in God’s promises, even in the face of challenging circumstances. Caleb serves as an example of someone who remained faithful and followed the Lord wholeheartedly. As Christians, we are called to follow God faithfully, even when others around us may be doubtful or fearful.
God’s Faithfulness:This verse also highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises. Despite the unbelief and disobedience of the Israelites as a whole, God remembered Caleb’s faithfulness and rewarded him accordingly. This serves as a reminder that God does not forget or overlook the faithfulness of His people, and He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
