Caleb Faith, Courage, and Seeking the Prize Numbers 13, 14 Joshua 14, 15 Judges 1:11-21,3:1-11 Wayne O. Cochran Caleb is a strong pattern of Biblical masculinity (others: Boaz, David,...).
Belief is not mere intellectual assent (even the demons believe James 2:19), but involves a level of assurance and conviction that translates into a willingness to risk it all. Abraham believed (Gen 15:6 -> Rom 4, Gal 3, James 2). Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son (Heb 11:17-18; James 2:21-23). Rahab the prostitute (Matt 1, Heb 11, James 2:25). What is it about the examples in Hebrews that make them different? Seeking a reward. Faith Hebrews 11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he v.1,2 exists and that he rewards those who seek him. v.6
Spying out the land Number 13 A good God giving a good land (13:2) flows with milk and honey (13:23, 27) Land well fortified and occupied by Giants (Anak)! (13:28-29) 13:32-33: Bad report include Nephilim (Gen 6) King Og (Deut 3; last of Rephaim Deut 3:11) Courage (13:20) Joshua s charge (Josh 1:6) Cowards (Rev 21:5-8) Joshua and Co. had already met and defeated the Amalekites (Ex 17:8-16). Joshua (Hoshea) son of Nun from Ephraim. Caleb from Judah. People don t trust God to take care of their children, but God is the one who will preserve the children an usher them in to the Promised land. Duet 1:19-40 Caleb is the exception to the generation who will die in the wilderness. The Talmud says Moses stabbed Og in the ankle with spear 10 cubits in length.
A Different Spirit Numbers 13:30,31; Numbers 14 Caleb vs The Crowd (13:30-33; 14:6-9) Rebellion: back to Egypt!?! (14:1-4) Concern for children (v 3; Deut 1:39) They want to stone Caleb & Joshua (v10) Moses intercedes (14:13-19) Judgment (14:27-30; Numbers 32:7-15) But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. (Numbers 14:24) Afterwords, Israel tries to go up and take the land and they get whipped! Too late!
Entering His Rest Psalm 95, Hebrews 3, 4 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." Heb 3:12-15 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. Heb 3:19-4:2 Moses (servant) < Jesus (son) (Heb 3:1-6). How much more should we listen to Jesus? What made Caleb (and Joshua) unique? FAITH! Who is obedient? Those who believe? Is this kind of Faith really that rare?
Caleb s Inheritance Joshua 14, 15 Caleb s promised inheritance (Deut 1:34-37) Caleb s request demand give me this mountain 40 years later (Josh 14:6-12) Example of persistent faith which endures, even when alone. Caleb boldly expects reward. Caleb as strong at 85 as he was 40 years earlier! (v. 11) Caleb receives the land he spied out (Josh 14:13; 15:13-15) Caleb s request in 14:12 is really a demand: give me this hill country. Similar to Jacob s demand for a blessing when wrestling with God. (Matt 11:12 -- take kingdom by force ). Caleb is understands God rewards the faithful. run to obtain the prize Paul 1 Cor 9:24. Great example of faithful masculinity.
Othniel Joshua 15:15-19; Judges 1:11-21 Caleb s faith and courage is reflected in his little brother. Othniel son of [Jephunneh son of] Kenaz, brother of Caleb (Josh 15:17; Judges 1:13; 3:9) Kenaz is an Edomite (Esau s descendant) listed in Genesis 36(?) Jephunneh adopted into Judah? Caleb offers his daughter Achsah as a prize Othniel is motivated to capture Debir. side note: Josh 15:63 - Jebusites inhabit Jerusalem. Amalek is an Edomite (Gen 36:12).
Othniel the Deliverer Judges 3:1-10 Remaining Canaanites left to test and strengthen the next generation (3:1,2) Israelites married Canaanites (3:6) And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (3:7) Sin Cycle: (1) forget God, (2) serve other gods, (3) subject to enemies, (4) in distress they call out to God, (5) judge delivers, (6) judge dies, (7) repeat...
Spirit of the LORD Othniel : The Spirit of the LORD was upon him (3:10) Gideon: But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon (6:34) Jephthah: Then the Spirit of the LORD was upon Jephthah (11:29) Samson: Then the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him (14:6,9; 15:14) Saul, David, Ezekiel, Micah,... Jesus (Isaiah 11:2, 61:1, Luke 4:16-20)
Looking to Jesus Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Next week... Judges 1, 2, 3 Surrounded by Enemies and the testing of God. Serving other gods. Ehud and Shamgar