In brief
Caleb, son of Jephunneh, is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan, in the time of the Exodus. With Joshua, he reports that the land is excellent and calls the people to trust the Lord, while they are seized by fear. God declares that Caleb has a different spirit and has followed him fully. Years later, Caleb receives Hebron as an inheritance. We remember the value of a faith that follows God to the end.
What does the name Caleb mean?
The meaning of Caleb's name is uncertain: it is sometimes linked to the word dog or to the idea of a whole heart, though this is not certain. The Bible does not explain his name. It says he is from the tribe of Judah, son of Jephunneh (Numbers 13:6), and calls him a Kenizzite (Joshua 14:6).
The story of Caleb
Chosen among the twelve spies
Numbers 13:1-16The Lord tells Moses to send men to explore Canaan, one leader from each tribe. For the tribe of Judah, it is Caleb, son of Jephunneh. Among them is also Hoshea, son of Nun, whom Moses calls Joshua. The twelve set out from the wilderness of Paran at the Lord's command.
The spies' report
Numbers 13:17-33After forty days, they return with fruit of the land, including a cluster of grapes carried by two men. They say it is a land flowing with milk and honey, but that the people are strong and the cities fortified. Caleb quiets the people who are grumbling against Moses and urges them to go up and take possession of the land.
The people's rebellion
Numbers 14:1-10The people weep all night and grumble against Moses and Aaron. They propose choosing a leader to go back to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb tear their clothes and declare that the land is excellent, that the Lord is with them, and that they must not rebel or fear the inhabitants.
God's promise to Caleb
Numbers 14:20-38God pardons the people at Moses' prayer, but that generation will not see the land. He makes an exception for his servant Caleb, who has a different spirit and has followed him fully. The ten spies who had slandered the land die, while Joshua and Caleb remain alive.
Hebron as an inheritance
Joshua 14:6-15Forty-five years later, Caleb approaches Joshua at Gilgal. He recalls God's promise and asks for the hill country of Hebron, where the Anakim still live. Joshua blesses him and gives him Hebron, because he had wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.
What Caleb teaches us
- Facing an obstacle, looking to God rather than at the size of the difficulties is an act of faith.
- Staying faithful when the majority is afraid takes courage and clarity.
- Following God fully is not a passing impulse: Caleb kept his conviction for forty-five years.
- God remembers his promises and rewards perseverance.
- Serving God has no age limit: Caleb still asks for his mountain at an advanced age.
Key verses
Caleb quiets the people who are grumbling against Moses and says to go up and take possession of the land. While ten spies are discouraged, he answers fear with a call to advance with God.
God declares that his servant Caleb has had a different spirit and has followed the Lord fully. He will be brought into the land he explored, and his descendants will possess it.
Caleb received Hebron as an inheritance because he had wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel. The inheritance is the result of a faithfulness lived out over the long term.
Sermons about Caleb
Frequently asked questions
Who was Caleb in the Bible?
Caleb, son of Jephunneh, is a leader of the tribe of Judah sent by Moses to explore Canaan. With Joshua, he calls the people to trust God while they are afraid. God declares that he has a different spirit, and he receives Hebron as an inheritance.
What does the name Caleb mean?
The meaning of Caleb's name is uncertain: it is sometimes linked to the word dog or to the idea of a whole heart, which remains a guess. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. It states that Caleb is from the tribe of Judah, son of Jephunneh.
Where can I find Caleb's story in the Bible?
Caleb's story is found in the book of Numbers, in chapters 13 and 14, where he explores Canaan with the other men sent by Moses. It concludes in the book of Joshua, in chapter 14, where he receives Hebron as an inheritance.