Suppose I asked you if you brushed your teeth this morning.

Transcription

1 SECOND NATURE 84

2 Suppose I asked you if you brushed your teeth this morning. Hopefully you would say yes. But let s say I wanted to dig a little deeper and asked you to describe the experience of brushing your teeth. Awkward silence. It s not because you didn t brush them; it s because you just don t give a lot of thought to brushing your teeth. You probably thought a lot about it when you were a kid, making sure you hit all the uppers and the lowers; maybe you even sang The Alphabet Song in your head to make sure you spent enough time brushing. But now you ve been brushing your teeth for many years, and it s become a routine you go through without even thinking. Brushing your teeth has become second nature to you an action so often repeated that it now exists in the realm of muscle memory. In Christ, Christians are given a new nature, new desires, new tastes, and a new lifestyle. As we continue to grow in Christ, we will develop consistent patterns of living that are the spiritual equivalent of brushing your teeth patterns of thinking, believing, and acting that become so ingrained in us we scarcely even think about them. Through the lives of seven biblical characters, this study will bring out some of those patterns that grow out of our belief in the gospel. We will be challenged to develop character traits that become second nature to us. MICHAEL KELLEY Michael is a husband, dad, author, and speaker. He serves as the Director of Groups at LifeWay Christian Resources. Michael is the author of Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life and Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal, which tells the story of his 10-year-old son s battle with leukemia. Michael blogs at michaelkelleyministries.com. 85

3 GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes GUIDE: In the next seven sessions we will look at the lives of seven biblical characters who displayed qualities that became second nature to them. Invite members to turn to page 3 in the Personal Study Guide (PSG) and review session titles. LEADER PACK: Point to the session titles on Item 7: Second Nature. SESSION 1 CALEB: UNWAVERING FAITH The Point Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. The Bible Meets Life It s easy to listen to our circumstances. After all, we are surrounded by them. God may use our circumstances as a part of His plan for our lives, but God may also call us in one direction when the road signs around us point in a different direction. That s when faith steps in. We are to trust the One who is above our circumstances and calls us to trust Him. The Passages Numbers 13:26-30; 14:6-10,21-24 DISCUSS: Draw attention to the picture on PSG page 78 and ask Question #1: When have you said, I can t believe my eyes? GUIDE: Reinforce The Point on PSG page 79: Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. The Setting After the Israelites departed Egypt by the Red Sea, they traveled for three months (Ex. 19:1) and encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and entered into a covenant with the Israelites. The people left Sinai and made the long trek to the southern border of Canaan, the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants. Twelve tribal leaders entered Canaan to inspect and evaluate the land. After 40 days, the scouts returned. 86 Session 1

4 Numbers 13: The men went back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite community in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for them and the whole community, and they showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They reported to Moses: We went into the land where you sent us. Indeed it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is some of its fruit. 28 However, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites are living in the land of the Negev; the Hethites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan. 30 Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, Let s go up now and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it! Trust God more than your circumstances. 1 Verse 26. The 12 scouts reported to Moses, the Israelites primary leader; to Aaron, Moses assistant; and to the entire Israelite community which could refer to the people s leaders or to all the people. The Israelites were camped on Canaan s southern border. This area was the northern part of the Wilderness of Paran. Kadesh means consecrated and was the abbreviated name for Kadesh Barnea. It was located in the Wilderness of Zin. The scouts not only gave an oral report but also exhibited samples of the fruit of the land. Numbers 13:23 states that they brought back a cluster of grapes so large two men had to carry it hanging from a pole they shouldered. STUDY THE BIBLE Numbers 13: minutes GUIDE: Refer members to The Bible Meets Life on PSG page 79. Ask if anyone experienced what the author described about 3D holographic prints. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Refer to the image on PSG page 78. Ask if anyone has used a virtual reality headset and if so share their experience. SUMMARIZE: Before reading the passage, set the context by summarizing the information in The Bible Meets Life and The Setting on page 86. READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Numbers 13: LEADER PACK: Point to Item 8: Map Overview to show where these events occurred. Verse 27. The scouts reported they had done as directed. They went into Canaan and executed their mission. They first gave Moses the good news: the land was flowing with milk and honey. This picturesque description expressed SUGGESTED USE WEEK OF OCTOBER 15 87

5 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 1 on page 87 and this page to provide background and details of the report given by the spies. Highlight these points: Land flowing with milk and honey Inhabitants strong living in fortified cities Descendents of Anak GUIDE: Refer group members to the article Caleb: All We Know on PSG page 88 (also found on page 96 of the Leader s Guide). SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 2 on this page and page 89 to share the response of Caleb who gave the minority report. GUIDE: Refer members to God s promises when our circumstances seem overwhelming (PSG, p. 81): He is for us (Rom. 8:31). He will complete His work in us (Phil. 1:6). He will give us our daily bread (Phil. 4:19). the land s fertility; it was abundantly productive. God had used the suggestive phrase in Exodus 3:8 to emphasize God s abundant provision for His people. The spies who reported their findings at their mission s completion displayed the fruit they brought as evidence of the land s richness. Verse 28. Hard on the heels of the good news concerning the land s fertility came bad news introduced by the word however. The term can be rendered yet to introduce a sharp contrast. The land s inhabitants were strong fierce, formidable, or mighty. Their cities were large and fortified, suggesting they were inaccessible, impossible to capture. Most of all, the spies observed that the descendants of Anak were there. Anak means long-necked or strongnecked and likely referred to tall or gigantic individuals. Anak s three sons had settled in Hebron and hill country. These daunting inhabitants struck fear in the spies hearts. Verse 29. Canaan was home to various tribes who occupied territories in the land. The Amalakites were a nomadic tribe who lived in the Negev, an arid area in the southernmost part of Canaan. The Amalakites would be formidable defenders against an invasion of the land. The Hethites were a minority group in Canaan who lived in the hill country elevated land, usually lower than mountains, that ran the length of Canaan, separating the coastal plain to the west from the Jordan Valley to the east. The Jebusites also lived in part of the hill country. They descended from Noah through Ham and Canaan (see Gen. 10). The Amorites likely migrated from Babylonia in the period BC and settled in Canaan s hill country. The Canaanites were descendants of Noah s son Ham and lived in the land s coastal plain and in territory west of the Jordan River. This group gave the entire land its name (Canaan). The term Canaanite may mean merchant or trader and reflect the time the people occupied the land s seacoast. 2 Verse 30. Not all the spies reporting on their mission s findings agreed with the majority opinion. Caleb, who represented the tribe of Judah (Num. 13:6), strongly disagreed with the pessimistic, negative report the other spies gave. (Num. 14:6-9 indicates Joshua stood with Caleb in rebutting the majority report.) The majority report went counter to God s promise to give the land to the Israelites. Then can be used to introduce a contrast. First, Caleb 88 Session 1

6 calmed the people s fears the negative report raised. Then he likely addressed Moses as the Israelites leader. Although Caleb did not mention God at this juncture, his words reflect his total faith in God s promise, his courage in the face of imposing obstacles, and his resolve to obey God. Caleb s words rang with urgency and confidence. The Israelites needed to act on God s promise; they needed to forge ahead into the land. They would go up into Canaan and enter the land. Caleb had no doubt that they would take possession of the land. He trusted God rather than apparent circumstances. We all face daunting circumstances some more often than others. We must deal with challenges such as financial difficulties, including adequately funding retirement; aging and health issues; diminishing employment opportunities; family tensions and conflicts; and staying safe in a violent society. Sometimes these may seem like insurmountable obstacles to overcome. We can follow Caleb s example and trust God rather than allow circumstances to discourage and defeat us. When we follow God s leading in determined obedience, we can trust Him to guide us every step of the way. Numbers 14: Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite community: The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. 9 Only don t rebel against the Lord, and don t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don t be afraid of them! 10 While the whole community threatened to stone them, the glory of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the tent of meeting. GUIDE: Emphasize that our faith is in God, not in what God can do for us and there is a big difference (PSG, p. 81) Faith in God means trusting His wisdom even when He leads us into difficulty. trusting His love even when we experience loss. trusting His provision even when that provision is less than we d like. trusting His plan even when the road seems long. DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 82): Why do you think Caleb s perspective was different from the other spies? (Alternate: What helps you trust God when you face obstacles?) TRANSITION: Next we will see Caleb s passionate plea to the Israelite community. STUDY THE BIBLE Numbers 14: minutes READ: Ask a volunteer to read Numbers 14:

7 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG pages to the quote by G. K. Chesterton and how Joshua and Caleb went against the stream. the courage it took to stand before the people determined to go one way and boldly declare the opposite position. the gumption that was needed to call out the crowd for their rebellion and disobedience. the audacity required to fight what seemed to be a losing battle against the poll of public opinion. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 3 on this page and page 91 to give further information to the minority report given by Joshua and Caleb. The land was extremely good If the Lord is pleased with us, He will give us the land Don t rebel against the Lord Don t be afraid Trust God to continually be with you. In 13:31-33, the 10 scouts who brought the negative report quickly countered Caleb s urgent plea that the Israelites invade Canaan. They did not share his confidence and sought to override it with pessimism. The 10 scouts asserted the Israelites could not fight the stronger inhabitants of Canaan. Compared with the inhabitants, the scouts felt as small and helpless as grasshoppers. Numbers 14:1-5 chronicles the Israelites response to the 10 scouts negativism. The scouts depressing words threw the whole congregation into despair (14:1). They responded quickly, crying loudly and weeping during the night. Faced with overwhelming odds, they lamented their circumstances. The Israelites the entire congregation except Caleb and Joshua (see v. 30) turned on Moses and Aaron, their leaders. The people murmured to one another against their leaders, and the entire company lamented that they had not died in Egypt or during their journey to the edge of Canaan (v. 2). They asked why God had brought them all the way to the land merely to have them die in battle. Their question actually was a charge against God. In the form of a question, the grumblers suggested they would be better served to return to Egypt and bondage (v. 3). They agreed among themselves to choose a new leader, turn back, and journey to Egypt (v. 4). Moses and Aaron were distraught when they learned of the people s decision. The two leaders falling down with their faces to the ground expressed their distress and their supplication to God to intervene. Their action may have expressed their awareness that the people s rash decision openly defied and insulted God and expressed their unfaithfulness. The two leaders prostrated themselves in full view of the assembled people. 3 Verse 6. Joshua stood with Caleb, insisting that the Israelites act on God s promise and enter the land. Although others may have shared their view, the biblical record named only four who opposed the scouts majority report and the people s decision to turn back: Moses, Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua. Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes. This act expressed distress, grief, and perhaps terror caused by the people s rebellion. Such open defiance of God deeply disturbed the two scouts because it represented lack of loyalty to God and lack of faith in His word and ability to deliver on His promise. 90 Session 1

8 Verses 7-8. Joshua and Caleb gave their minority report a report that agreed with the other scouts evaluation of the land s fertility but ran directly counter to the opinion that the Israelites could not conquer it. The two faithful scouts addressed the assembled people and affirmed they had traversed the land and explored it; they had searched it out thoroughly. It was an extremely good land; it was excellent or choice in quality, fruitful. The condition for taking the land was God s being pleased with His people. God would enable them to conquer and occupy the land. Joshua and Caleb repeated the emphasis on the land s productivity: it was flowing with milk and honey. The condition implied that the people could repent of their disbelief and disobedience and could renew their faith. Joshua and Caleb emphasized that Yahweh would give them the land; His power, not their ability, would gain the victory. For Christians, pleasing God should be a daily priority. Trusting His promises and obeying His directives please Him. Verse 9. The Israelites disbelief and disobedience constituted rebellion against God. Joshua and Caleb urged them to abandon their plan to return to Egypt. Furthermore, the two stalwart, courageous scouts urged their people not to fear Canaan s occupants. The invading Israelites would devour their opponents; literally, the land s inhabitants would be bread for God s people. Rather than be devoured as grasshoppers, the Israelites would be the devourers. Joshua and Caleb gave two reasons the Israelites should confidently enter the land. The first reason was that the inhabitants protection had been removed from them. The word protection can be rendered shadow or shade. In hot, sun-baked Canaan, shade offered relief from the sun s burning rays. Joshua and Caleb were certain God would take away His shadow of protection over Canaan s inhabitants. The second reason the Israelites could press forward into Canaan was the most significant: the Lord was with them. The God who remained faithful to His covenant in the face of His people s unfaithfulness would accompany the Israelites into the land. That certainty alone should banish their fear. 4 Verse 10. Rather than repent and resolve to obey God, the Israelites were enraged and threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Death by stoning was the penalty for major infractions of the law. Evidently the people considered the two men to be bearing false witness. Joshua and Caleb had termed the call to turn back toward Egypt as rebellion; the instigators denied the accusation and sought to exact the punishment they deemed appropriate. GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG pages to what gave Joshua and Caleb the resolve to take this stand: the knowledge that God was with them. Here is what this truth means for us: The presence of God means we are never truly alone. The presence of God means we never walk without direction. The presence of God means we are never away from His power. DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 84): What makes fear an obstacle to faith? (Alternate: What difference does it make that God is with you make when you are facing difficult circumstances?) SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 4 on this page and page 92 to give information about the people s response and how God responded. 91

9 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. TRANSITION: Next we will discover God s pronouncement of judgment against His people and His promise to Caleb for his loyalty. As the people prepared to stone Joshua and Caleb, God intervened. The glory of the Lord was His brilliant radiance that signified His presence (Exodus 40:34). In Numbers 14:10, His majestic presence stopped the people from stoning Joshua and Caleb, and it was a prelude for God s conversation with Moses. STUDY THE BIBLE Numbers 14: minutes READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Numbers 14: SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 5 to fill in the gaps of the story leading up to this passage. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 6 on this page and page 93 to show that even when God forgives there are still consequences to our rebellion, unbelief, and disobedience. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 7 on page 93 to contrast God s judgment on those who were disobedient to His affirmation of Caleb. Point out Caleb s second nature: to trust God no matter the circumstance. God noted that Caleb had a different spirit. Numbers 14: Yet as surely as I live and as the whole earth is filled with the Lord s glory, 22 none of the men who have seen my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tested me these ten times and did not obey me, 23 will ever see the land I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have despised me will see it. 24 But since my servant Caleb has a different spirit and has remained loyal to me, I will bring him into the land where he has gone, and his descendants will inherit it. Trust God to be faithful. 5 In Numbers 14:11-21, God charged the people with having contempt for Him and failing to trust Him in spite of all He had done for them (14:11). God resolved to destroy them and raise up a greater nation through Moses (v. 12). Moses interceded for the Israelites. Moses reminded God of His earlier declaration of His character and repeated God s words (see Ex. 34:6-7). Moses pleaded for God to forgive the Israelites as He had forgiven them before (Num. 14:17-19). God granted Moses plea and pardoned the Israelites (v. 20). 6 Verse 21. God forgave the Israelites for their refusal to enter Canaan, yet the consequences of their disobedience would be severe. Swearing by Himself, God solemnly guaranteed the results of the Israelites sin. His oath contained two certainties. First, in the Hebrew text, the phrase as I live 92 Session 1

10 literally is I live. Because God is, His pronouncement would become reality. Second, the earth s being filled with the Lord s glory was evidence God lives and was able to accomplish His purpose in spite of the Israelites sin. Verses The generation of men who escaped from Egypt, made the journey to Kadesh Barnea, then refused to obey God s directive to take Canaan would not live to enter the land. They had tested God repeatedly. They had tried God or put Him to the proof. They had done so ten times. Most likely, the number ten was symbolic of fullness or completion and had the sense of often or many. Although the men in the Israelite community had numerous proofs of God s power and presence with them, they refused to obey Him. They would not see (enjoy) the land God had promised Abraham and his descendants. God emphatically stated that none (not one) of the rebels would experience the exhilaration of conquest, for they had despised Him. They had expressed contempt for God and had rejected Him. God s response to Moses petition on his people s behalf emphasizes a sobering biblical truth. When we sin against God, genuinely repent, and ask for forgiveness, in His mercy and grace He will pardon us. The consequences of our sin, however, will ensue. We, and often others around or related to us, will experience the sin s results. Disobeying God or rebelling against Him is no light matter. 7 Verse 25. God singled out Caleb as the exception to the fate of the other Israelite men. In 14:30, God added Joshua as an exception. The word but introduces a sharp contrast to the disobedient Israelites. Because Caleb insisted on obedience to God and maintained He would fulfill His promise, Caleb would enter Canaan. With the phrase my servant, God bestowed the highest possible honor on Caleb. Caleb had a different spirit or attitude. In contrast to the other Israelites complaints, rebellion, and disobedience, Caleb was faithful, determined, and courageous. He trusted God s presence, faithfulness, and power to enable the Israelites to conquer Canaan. In addition, Caleb had remained loyal to God. Caleb never wavered in his faithfulness and obedience. Because of his right attitude and consistent loyalty, he would enter Canaan, the land he had scouted. His descendants would settle there. God will keep His promises, and He will provide His presence and power. Our consistent, determined faithfulness to God will make faith in Him become second nature for us. DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 85): When has God kept His promises in a way that helped you trust Him more? GUIDE: Refer members to the list of God s promises on PSG page 85. Note that not all His promises will be happy ones. He is preparing a place of eternal joy for us (John 14:1-2). He will fill us with joy in His presence (John 15:9-11). He makes all things work together for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). He will never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). You will have suffering in this world. (John 16:33). DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 86): How does God reward those who are faithful to Him? (Alternate: From your own experience what would you say to encourage others to trust God?) DO: Invite volunteers to share their responses to the activity The Lord Is With You on PSG page

11 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: Christ-centered living chooses trust in God, not in circumstances. REVIEW: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 87); (see text to the right). Encourage each group member to follow through this week with at least one of the applications. LIVE IT OUT An unwavering faith doesn t mean circumstances won t be daunting. It certainly doesn t mean you ll never face opposition or trouble. Instead, an unwavering faith trusts that your circumstances are not the final say. It means choosing to trust in God, regardless of what your senses might tell you. > > Share with your group one set of circumstances that is causing you to waver this week. > > Think about one specific person you know is dealing with difficult circumstances. Write a note of encouragement to this person. > > Spend some time researching and gathering some of God s promises to His people. Write these on note cards to carry with you to remind you of His faithfulness. WRAP IT UP GUIDE: Emphasize that Caleb s second nature response to trust in God no matter the circumstances is an example for us to emulate. PRAY: Father, help us to trust You and the promises of Your Word no matter what we face in life. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us. 94 Session 1

12 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ G.B. HOWELL/ LOUVRE MUSEUM (35/12/57) Hero shown having captured a lion, barehanded; from the entrance hall of the palace of Assyria s King Sargon II, who reigned BC The Israelites stood on the verge of inheriting the land the Lord had promised to Abraham centuries earlier (Gen. 12:1-3,7). God then directed Moses to select 12 men one from each tribe to scout out the land of Canaan (13:1 16). The men s 40-day journey took them the entire length and breadth of the land, and they returned with some of its bounty (vv ). However, 10 of the scouts sounded a sober warning The people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there (v. 28).1 The Nephilim, another formidable enemy, also presented a challenge (v. 33). The Hebrew word anak appears to be related to the word for neck. Many interpreters have thus understood the Anakim as people with large necks that is, as a tall, fearsome people of great stature (Num. 13:32). The Anakim and Nephilim designated peoples whose size loomed large before the Israelites. The Israelites felt as small and powerless as grasshoppers before them, and they sensed the Anakim and Nephilim so viewed them. Some scholars have suggested Goliath and his brothers were descendants of the Anakim (1 Sam. 17:4; 2 Sam. 21:15 22). When the Israelites chose to give in to unbelief, they failed miserably. When they chose to trust God, they drove the Anakim from the land. The excerpt above is from the article Who Were the Anakim and Nephilim? (Spring 2016), which relates to this session. More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator. SHARING THE GOOD NEWS When we place our faith in Jesus, we are empowered to live in a Christ-centered way, instead of according to our circumstances. Each week, make yourself available either before or after the session to speak privately with anyone in your group who wants to know more about becoming a Christian. See the article, Leading Someone to the Greatest Decision of All, on page 2 for guidance in leading a person to Christ. Remind group members that page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ. Free additional ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra 95

13 CALEB: ALL WE KNOW BY GEORGE H. SHADDIX Caleb who is he and what do we know about him? He was one of the twelve spies Moses sent into the land that God had promised His people. The Israelites were positioned to enter the land; however, before entering, Moses chose twelve men, one from each tribe, to go throughout the land to see what challenges the people would encounter. One of those men was Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. Numbers 32:12 and Joshua 14:6 identify Jephunneh as a Kenezite. The Kenezites may have been a clan that had joined the Israelites and become incorporated into the tribe of Judah. 1 This would explain Numbers 13:6, which identifies Caleb with the tribe of Judah. In Genesis 36:9-11, one of the sons of Eliphaz, a descendant of Esau, was Kenaz. So Caleb s lineage went back to Esau. Esau was one of Isaac s sons and one of Abraham s grandsons. 96 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE Above: At Hebron, a building in a remarkable state of preservation erected by King Herod over the caves of Machpelah. The only land Abraham owned in Canaaan, this marks the spot that Abraham bought to bury Sarah. Besides Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, as well as Jacob and Leah are buried in the tombs below. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance (Josh. 14:13). ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS (4/11/2)

14 The Kenezites may have joined the Israelites when they went to Egypt during a time of famine. If the Kenezites went down with Jacob into Egypt, they may have become identified with his family there. 2 First Chronicles 14:13 14 also identifies Caleb with the descendants of Kenaz. ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS/ MUSEUM OF THE ANCIENT ORIENT/ ISTANBUL (205/21A) Caleb and the other 11 spies went into the land and found it to be everything they had imagined: And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it (Num. 13:26-27). This report was exciting and should have readied the Israelites to go up at once and possess the land. Remember, God had given it to Abraham and his descendants. However, the spies also had a negative report: Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan (vv ). A good land, no, a great land; however, people were living throughout the land. The cities were well fortified. The people s excitement quickly turned to a pessimistic outlook. They felt that there was no way for them to enter and dwell in this wonderful land, a land flowing with milk and honey, which God had promised to give them. Dated to the 10th cent. BC, ceramic figurine of a dog; neo-babylonian. Caleb s name means dog in Hebrew. It was a lone voice, the voice of Caleb, that tried to reassure the people: And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it (v. 30). This statement is a statement of faith and conviction. No doubt, Caleb knew the promise God had given Abraham that this land would be an inheritance to his descendants. Also, Caleb was aware God had said He would give the land to them. Yes, going into the land would be a challenge. Yes, they would do battle with the inhabitants of the land. God had already promised, however, success for His people. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 97

15 At Hebron, cenotaphs at the cave of Machpelah, built in honor of Rebecca on left and Isaac on right. The cenotaph is not the actual tomb, but a structure marking the site of the subterranean burial cave. The next day, as the people complained and wished they had stayed in Egypt, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people. Joshua and Caleb tried to convince the people to go into the land (14:7 9): [They] said to the entire Israelite community: The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. These two men, Joshua and Caleb, stood apart in their faith and conviction that God would be with the Israelites, if they would simply obey God s instructions. The two saw the possibility, not the impossibility. They were willing to stand against the majority report because they focused on the ability and promise of God. The people s response was to threaten to stone Joshua and Caleb. Only with Moses intercession did God spare the Israelites. Yet, for 40 years they would be in the wilderness until their entire generation died. Only two from their generation would be allowed to go into the land with the next generation Joshua and Caleb. Comparing Caleb to the unbelieving generation that would never see the land of promise, God said: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it (v. 24). 98 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

16 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS (141/15) For 40 years, these 2 men faithfully waited. Joshua became the leader that would follow Moses. Caleb was 80 years old when the day finally came for the Israelites to enter the land. This fulfilled God s earlier promise. Another spirit Caleb believed God; his faith and trust were not in himself, but in God. This faith resulted in his following God completely. Caleb took God at His word and willingly sought to live out that faith through obedience. Faith, faithfulness, and obedience are important qualities in the life of a child of God. When the land was divided, Caleb was 85 years old. He made a request for the hill country where the Anakim lived in large fortified cities (Josh. 14:7 12). Faith, faithfulness, and obedience are important qualities in the life of a child of God. This was the land of the giants. Such a request expressed a continued faith in God and His promises: Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said (v. 12). Caleb was also a man of his word. During one battle, Caleb made a promise. And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife (15:16). Othniel, Caleb s brother s son, captured Kiriath-sepher (also known as Debir) and Caleb gave him his daughter as a wife. Caleb s daughter made the request of springs of water. Caleb generously gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs (v. 19). First Samuel 30:14 makes reference to the south of Caleb. This is probably a reference to the south country around Hebron. This was the area Caleb conquered and that he and his descendants received as a possession. Caleb was never a national leader like Moses or Joshua, but he certainly stands out as a man whose heart was stayed upon God. He was a man of faith and faithfulness. He was a man who never avoided a challenge, even at the age of 85. He did not look for an easy way out, but trusted in God and willingly accepted a challenge. Caleb exemplifies the character and faithfulness God continues to seek in those who follow Him. I 1. Caleb in Holman Bible Dictionary, gen. ed. Trent C. Butler (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1991), Kenezite in The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, gen. ed. James Orr, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952), This is an edited version of the article by George H. Shaddix that originally appeared in the Winter issue of Biblical Illustrator magazine. Each quarter Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth articles and information that support our weekly Bible study lessons. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to com/biblicalillustrator, by using your church s quarterly literature order form, or by calling BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 99