Joshua 14:6–15; 15:14–17

Explore the Bible
Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

LOYALTY DARE

Joshua 14:6–15; 15:14–17 
Caleb was a man of unquestionable loyalty. From his early days as the representative spy from the tribe of Judah (Num. 14:24) until here in his latter years as a battle-tested officer, Caleb demonstrated his single-minded devotion to God. You may recall that Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies among the 12 who brought back a positive report (Num. 13–14). They had every confidence that the God who promised the land to Abraham and later to Moses would fulfill His promise. These men counted on God to be faithful, and they were faithful in turn.

One could argue that etymologically, Caleb’s name comes from “all” and “heart,” but this is unlikely. Scholars are in general agreement that his name comes from a common word meaning “dog.” As we will see, Joshua had no greater ally than Caleb in the years of the southern campaign in Canaan. He was a trustworthy friend, and he was a leader among the young pups.

Loyalty Demonstrated (14:6–12)
“Give me this mountain.” What a thought. Caleb approaches Joshua at Gilgal and reminds him of a time long past. They were much younger then; Caleb was 40, with a bold confidence that nothing and no one could stand in the way of God’s plan. 

Forty-five years have now passed. Caleb is now older than the average lifespan during the wilderness wanderings (Ps. 90:10). Even at 85, he still has the confidence to trust God. He reminds Joshua of the apportionment granted to him and his kin (the Judahites).

Some of the greatest contributors to the body of Christ today are overlooked. Either they believe that they no longer have a place of service within the church, or the younger generations feel that their ways and their thoughts are outmoded. In both cases, the church suffers from the lack of wisdom and experience that develops over time.

I had the privilege to serve among senior adults at First Baptist Church, North Mobile, in recent years. What a blessing it was to see octogenarians with more get-up-and-go than the Baby Boomers following them. On the other hand, I also saw 60-year-olds who decided they were old and had nothing left to contribute. 

For all The Alabama Baptist readers above the age of 60, now is the time when you may have more to offer than ever before. Take up the mantle of Caleb and say, “Give me this mountain.”

Loyalty Rewarded (14:13–15)
How was Caleb’s loyalty rewarded? Joshua blessed him, entrusting him with Hebron, a city in the southern hill country of Canaan. A careful study of this concept of blessing will yield some interesting results. 

Whenever God blesses an individual or a group, stewardship is entrusted. God blessed the man and woman with stewardship of the earth (Gen. 1:28). God blessed Noah and his family with the same stewardship (Gen. 9:1). Abraham was entrusted with a covenant that would be passed to his family, and yet that stewardship would affect all nations (Gen. 12:3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14). Missiologists refer to this as top-line/bottom-line blessing. In the top line, you are a recipient of the blessing of God. The bottom line, however, is that you are blessed to be a blessing, a conduit of God’s blessing.

Loyalty Challenged (15:14–17)
Though the land had been granted to him by Joshua, the challenge for Caleb was to take the land. Having confidence is one thing; finding the strength to rise to the challenge is another. Caleb rose to the occasion, showing that God was still with him as he led the army to drive out the Anakim from their stronghold. 

In the midst of this skirmish, readers are introduced to Caleb’s daughter, Achsah, and to Othniel, another member of Caleb’s family who will demonstrate his loyalty to God and His people. 

We will read more about Othniel in the coming days.