“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.”
Context:The book of Numbers recounts the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve spies, including Joshua and Caleb, to explore the land of Canaan and bring back a report. However, the majority of the spies brought back a negative and faithless report, which discouraged the people and caused them to rebel against God.
Rebellion and Consequences:The Israelites, influenced by the negative report, grumbled against Moses and Aaron, even going as far as desiring to return to Egypt. Their lack of faith and rebellion greatly displeased the Lord. As a result, God declared that none of the adults from that generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, would enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:20-35).
Joshua and Caleb’s Faith:Despite the majority’s pessimistic report, Joshua and Caleb displayed unwavering faith in God’s promise to give them the land. They believed that with God’s help, they would be able to conquer their enemies. In Numbers 14:6-9, they tried to encourage the people, saying, “If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it us… Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us.”
Faith Rewarded:As a result of their faithfulness, Joshua and Caleb were the only two among the spies who were allowed to enter the Promised Land. Numbers 14:38 confirms that while the rest of the adult Israelites faced death in the wilderness due to their rebellion, Joshua and Caleb lived on.
Lessons and Application:
- Faith Over Fear:Joshua and Caleb’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith over fear. They trusted in God’s promises and refused to be swayed by the negative opinions of others. We should strive to have a similar unwavering faith in God, even when faced with challenges or opposition.
- God Rewards Faithfulness:The Lord recognizes and rewards those who remain faithful to Him. Joshua and Caleb’s faith was not in vain; they received the blessing of entering the Promised Land. Similarly, when we remain faithful to God and His Word, He promises to bless us and fulfill His promises in our lives.
- The Consequences of Unbelief:The Israelites’ rebellion and lack of faith had severe consequences. They were denied the opportunity to enter the land God had promised them. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of trusting God and not allowing unbelief to hinder us from experiencing His best for our lives.
In conclusion, Numbers 14:38 highlights the contrasting faith of Joshua and Caleb compared to the rebellion of the rest of the Israelites. Their faithfulness was rewarded, and they were the only two from their generation to enter the Promised Land. This passage encourages us to choose faith over fear, trust in God’s promises, and remain faithful to Him in all circumstances.
