Caleb

Josh. 14:14

Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.

 

What a great reputation! Just think, to be known as the man who wholly followed the Lord. Moses had promised the land to Caleb [in Hebrew the meaning of Caleb is whole-hearted] because his faith in God saw no limits. He went in to spy out the land with the rest of the spies, but upon returning their reports were vastly different. The rest of the spies told such tales as to make the heart of the people melt, but Caleb's tale was based on his faith in a God who could conquer all. He was ready to follow God anywhere and anytime, no matter the obstacles and no matter how big the enemy.

 

And now Caleb was 45 years older [a mere 85], and his strength had not abated at all. He was as strong as he was in those years long, so he came to Joshua to claim the land that Moses had promised him. He wanted the hill country where the Anakim dwelled in great, fortified cities. Even in spite of these obstacles, he had no fear. He spoke firmly, It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said. Forty-five years later his strength was just as strong! His God was just as powerful!

 

Joshua did bless him and gave him Hebron [formerly known as Kiriath-arba afterArba the greatest of all the Anakim], the land that he was promised. Caleb wholly followed God and kept His eyes ever fixed on the fulfillment of the promise. What great faith! Historically, Hebron was a fairly important city. It was here that Abraham bought the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site where the Israelite forefathers [Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob] buried their wives . At a later time, David was also anointed king of Israel in Hebron. God is certainly not partial. This important land he gave to Caleb who was not even an Israelite.

 

Father,

Strengthen my faith so that I can wholly follow you. Take away the giants in my life that cause me to fear and stumble into sin. Lord, I do want to be known as one who wholly follows you.

In Jesus name,

Amen