Committed Caleb

The story of Caleb in Numbers and Joshua is another story of someone whose passion and commitment to a righteous goal set by the Lord was rewarded by its attainment–in this instance, entrance into the Promised Land. In Caleb’s case, he had to wait forty years, but the Lord was true to his promise. The Lord was true to his promise while Caleb and Joshua stood alone against the rest of the Israelites.

Caleb’s story is deeply intertwined with the story of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. He was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan. While ten spies came back with reports that discouraged the people, Caleb (alongside Joshua) stood firm in his faith. He believed that, with God on their side, they could conquer the land.

Despite the negative report from the other spies and the subsequent fear and rebellion from the Israelites, Caleb's commitment to God's promise never wavered. He said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). This declaration showcases his unwavering trust in God’s promise.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Caleb's commitment is his patience. Even after the Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years as a result of their disbelief, Caleb did not lose sight of the promise made to him. At the age of 85, after the Israelites had entered Canaan, Caleb approached Joshua and claimed the mountain territory of Hebron, a land inhabited by giants. His dedication to the divine promise was as fervent as it was 45 years earlier.

Caleb’s commitment was not just in words but also in actions. Even in his old age, he was ready to drive out the giants and take possession of the land. He stated, “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (Joshua 14:12).

Caleb’s unwavering commitment had lasting implications. Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb and his descendants because of his wholehearted devotion to God. His legacy became a beacon of hope and a testament to the rewards of staying true to one’s commitments, regardless of the challenges faced.

Caleb’s life story stands for us today as a powerful lesson on the importance of commitment in the face of adversity, doubts, and delays. His steadfastness, unwavering faith, and relentless pursuit of God's promise, even after decades, make him a shining example of commitment to God and divinely set goals. He reminds us of the importance of holding onto God’s promises, acting in faith, and the profound impact commitment can have on those who come after us.