Journey Through The Scriptures
Places in the Heart
Lesson 2: The Faith of Caleb
(Scripture to Read: The Faith of Caleb Joshua 14:6–15)
One of the great moments of faith in Israel's early history occurred as Joshua oversaw the division of the Promised Land after it had been conquered. Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, approached Joshua and asked for the portion of the land Moses had promised to him over forty years earlier as a reward for Caleb's faithfulness to God. Caleb and Joshua were the only two of the twelve Israeli spies who believed God would give them Canaan despite its fearsome inhabitants (Numbers 14:6-9).
Caleb had believed Israel could take the land back in the days of Moses, and now he had complete confidence to claim his share of Canaan, despite the fact that he was eighty-five years old! Joshua granted Caleb his request, and pronounced a blessing on his old friend and his descendants because of Caleb's loyalty to God. Caleb took his land from Israel's enemies and enjoyed the rewards of his faith in God.
Study Questions
- What does the life of Caleb teach us about God's faithfulness?
- Was being true to the Lord an easier task for Caleb when he was a younger man?
- Can a family, or generations of descendants, be blessed by the actions of one person?
- In Numbers 14:9, Caleb urged the people of Israel not to be afraid of the inhabitants of Canaan. What effect does fear have on faith?
Something to Think About
Caleb was faithful to God even when almost everyone else around him disagreed, and refused stand with him. Sometimes, following God means you will have to stand alone among your peers, and maybe even your family. At times like these, let us be like Caleb and not hesitate to speak up for God.
