“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 Kadesh-barnea.”
Context:Joshua 14:6 is part of the narrative of the distribution of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. After the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites in the conquest of the Promised Land. In this verse, Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, approaches Joshua to remind him of the promise that God had made to Caleb and Joshua at Kadesh-barnea.
Caleb’s Background:Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. While the majority of the spies brought back a negative report, Caleb and Joshua were the only two who expressed faith in God’s promise and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God’s power to conquer the land (Numbers 13-14). Because of their faithfulness, Caleb and Joshua were the only ones from their generation permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:24).
Faithful Remembrance:In Joshua 14:6, Caleb refers to the promise that God made to him and Joshua during the events at Kadesh-barnea. This event took place when the Israelites were on the verge of entering the Promised Land, but their lack of faith led to their punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Caleb reminds Joshua of God’s promise, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness.
Lessons from Caleb’s Faith:Caleb’s example teaches us several important lessons:
- Trust in God’s Promises:Caleb held onto the promise God made, even during the difficult years of wilderness wandering. We should also trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful and will fulfil what He has spoken.
- Faith Over Fear:Caleb’s faith in God enabled him to overcome fear and doubt. When faced with giants and fortified cities in Canaan, he trusted in God’s power rather than being overwhelmed by the challenges. We should cultivate a similar faith that enables us to conquer obstacles in our lives.
- God Rewards Faithfulness:Caleb’s faithfulness was rewarded with the inheritance of the land of Hebron (Joshua 14:13-14). God honours those who remain faithful to Him and His promises.
Application:As we study Joshua 14:6, we can apply its lessons to our own lives. We should cling to God’s promises, trust in His faithfulness, and choose faith over fear when facing challenges. Our faithfulness will be rewarded, though it may require patience and endurance.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom and guidance. Take time to read the surrounding verses and explore the broader context of Joshua 14 to gain a deeper understanding of Caleb’s story and the Israelites’ possession of the Promised Land.
