Josué 14
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 14
Meyer - Caleb followed the Lord wholly through the weary years in the wilderness. Amid the marchings and counter-marchings, the innumerable deaths, the murmurings and rebellions of the people, he retained a steadfast purpose to do only God's will, to please Him, to know no other leader, and to heed no other voice . It was of no use to try and involve that stout lion's whelp, for that is the underlying thought in his name, in any movement against Moses and Aaron. He would be no party to Miriam's spite. He would not be allured by the wiles of the girls of Moab. Always strong, and true, and pure, and noble; like a rock in a changeful sea; like a snowcapped peak amid the change of cloud, and storm and sun. A man in whose strong nature weaker natures could hide; and who must have been a tower of strength to that new and young generation which grew up to fill the vacant places in the van of Israel. William Blaikie - Caleb is one of those men whom we meet with seldom in Bible history, but whenever we do meet them we are the better for the meeting. Bright and brave, strong, modest and cheerful, there is honesty in his face, courage and decision in the very pose of his body, and the calm confidence of faith in his very look and attitude. Woudstra has a note on Caleb's descent but keep in mind there is no clear consensus - The story of how Caleb obtained his inheritance is linked with the people of Judah, who had come to Joshua at Gilgal. What precisely is the link between Judah’s coming to Gilgal and Caleb’s request that follows is not clear. Caleb often is linked with the tribe of Judah (Num. 13:6; 34:19), but his precise ethnic origin is a matter of debate since he is also called a Kenizzite (SEE HOLMAN BIBLE DICTIONARY BELOW) (vv. 6, 14; Num. 32:12). Kenizzites are listed among the original, non-Israelite population of Canaan (Ge 15:19). It may be that this name here simply stands for a descendant of Kenaz, which name occurs among Caleb’s descendants (1Chr. 4:13, 15). Upon that supposition Caleb was Judahite by descent. (NICOT-Joshua) KENIZZITE - Clan name of uncertain meaning. Clan God promised Abraham the Israelites would dispossess (Genesis 15:19 ). The Kenizzites lived in the Negev, the southern desert region of Judah, before the conquest of the land by Joshua. The tribe of Judah absorbed some of the Kenizzites while Edom absorbed others. The Kenizzites were probably related to the Kenites from whom they would have learned the craft of metal-working (1 Chronicles 4:13-14 ). They probably derived their name from Kenaz—a descendant of Esau (Genesis 36:11 ,Genesis 36:11,36:15 )—who is listed among the Edomite chieftains (Genesis 36:42 ). Jephunneh the Kenizzite may have married a woman of the tribe of Judah. Their son was Caleb (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6 ,Joshua 14:6,14:14; Joshua 15:13 ). Rod Mattoon - Have you ever stood alone for God in a group? The eyes are on you, your legs shake, your body gets hot, the heart beats faster, the snickering and sneers are obvious, yet, your determination is concrete. In Numbers 13:30, we find Caleb taking a stand and doing the speaking. Joshua at this moment is silent in a time of disagreement. Joshua agreed with Caleb but was silent. Joshua in his earlier years was reserved and sometimes fearful with leadership responsibilities. Caleb appears to be more courageous, bolder, and more willing to face life threatening situations. Caleb’s obedience continued for 45 more years. He was faithful behind the scenes and obedient. We never find him grumbling or craving the leeks and garlic of Egypt or turning to idolatry. He was loyal, consistent, and steadfast. Caleb was a prime example of a sold out, surrendered, 100% believer. The secret of his success was he wholly followed the Lord. Six times this is said of him in the Scriptures. Caleb followed the Lord by conviction. His was not a hereditary faith, but like Ruth, it was a faith of conviction. He meant business for God. He was not like the fellow who was found with a rope around his wrist, strung from a light fixture. His buddy found him, cut him down and said “What in the world are you doing?” His answer was, “Committing suicide!” The friend said, “Well, you should have put it around your neck if you really wanted to commit suicide.” The fellow answered, “I tried the rope around my neck but it was choking me!” This guy didn’t mean business, but Caleb did. He was sold out to God. Important questions are raised at this point. 1. How obedient are you to all of God’s commands? Do you obey only when it is convenient? 2. When the crowd wants to do wrong, do you stand for what is right? 3. When faced with group rejection because you want to obey the Word, do you take a stand for the will of God? 4. How faithful is your service to the Lord behind the scenes? 5. What would it mean for you to wholeheartedly serve the Lord this year? Are you willing to pay the price? (Treasures from the Scriptures) David Cooper - Caleb Waited for the Promise of God (Joshua 14:6-8) A. The unbelief of others cost Caleb 40 years in the wilderness. Whether we like it or not, the responses and actions of others sometimes affect us negatively. B. You may be suffering a setback today in your own life because of the irresponsibility of others. C. How did Caleb respond? Did he get angry at God? After all, he believed God. He could have said, "God, this isn't fair. How can You allow me to suffer and to miss out on Your promises because of the faithlessness of others?" He could have become bitter toward those who placed the whole community in a desert for 40 years. But he didn't. 1. He persevered in his faith and waited for the promises of God to be fulfilled in his own life. 2. He maintained his convictions in the promises of God when others failed to believe. 3. What a witness. You may have to do the same on your job, in your home, at your school. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 6-15. Caleb's request is, "Give me this mountain," or Hebron, because it was formerly in God's promise to him, and he would let Israel knows how much he valued the promise. Those who live by faith value that which is given by God's promise, far above what is given by his providence only. It was now in the Anakims' possession, and Caleb would let Israel know how little he feared the enemy, and that he would encourage them to push on their conquests. Caleb answered to his name, which signifies "all heart." Hebron was settled on Caleb and his heirs, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. Happy are we if we follow him. Singular piety shall be crowned with singular favour. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 14 6. Then the children of Judah came. ‘Then’—while they were at Gilgal, preparing to make the division, which it seems was finished at Shilo, ch. 18:1. The thread of the narrative is again interrupted to introduce the digression concerning the allotment of Caleb. The children of Judah, that is, probably, the heads and chief men, accompanied Caleb, who belonged to the same tribe, in order to testify their consent to the measure, and to aid and countenance him in obtaining the object of his request. As Caleb was one of the twelve whom God had chosen to superintend the partition of the land, Num. 34:12, it might seem, if he came unattended, that he designed to take advantage of his authority as a commissioner to promote his private interest; he therefore takes his brethren along with him to preclude any such imputation. Some suppose that this transaction took place previous to the siege and capture of Hebron, related ch. 10:36, 37, and that the expedition detailed in its minute particulars, in ch. 15:13–15, is there barely touched upon, or described in the most general manner. The fact, however, that the application of Caleb was made to Joshua at Gilgal, and not while he was pursuing his conquests over the south of Canaan, seems decisive against this opinion. Thou knowest the thing, &c. Caleb probably alludes to what is said Num. 14:24, ‘But my servant Caleb him will I bring into the land where into he went; and his seed shall possess it.’ Deut. 1:36, ‘Caleb the son of Jephunneh, to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord.’ This seems to be spoken, not of the land of promise in general, but of some particular district to which he had penetrated when sent out by Moses. This, undoubtedly, was Hebron, Num. 13:22, and was so understood by all parties at the time. The promise then made by God to Moses he now pleads; and what can be more confidently expected than the fulfilment of his gracious word? There is more presumption in declining and neglecting his promises, than in urging their performance. Friends in Deed Dr. Woodrow Kroll Joshua 14:6-7 - Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: "You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart." Friends in Deed - Dr. Abraham Maslow, famed research analyst, estimated that the average American meets only about 50 percent of his need for love, interpersonal support and intimacy. In the latter stages of his research, Dr. Maslow became even more negative in his summary: "The truth is," he said, "the average American does not have a real friend in the world." That stands in stark contrast to the friendship we see between Joshua and Caleb. First teamed up by Moses as partners to explore the land of Canaan, they also stood steadfast together when the people rebelled and wanted to stone them (Num. 14:6-10). Joshua was later selected to replace Moses as the leader of Israel, but that seemed to have no effect on their friendship. Forty-five years later we find them fighting shoulder to shoulder as Israel sought to solidify its hold on the Promised Land. And in the midst of the conflict, Joshua fulfilled a promise. Joshua 14:13 says, "And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance." Joshua and Caleb were friends indeed and friends in deed. It was a friendship tested by time and trials, but a friendship expressed in commitment and deeds. What had been promised in words was fulfilled in deeds. Perhaps you are blessed with such a friend as Caleb. If so, find a way today not only to say how much you appreciate this friend but to show it as well. Follow the admonition of 1 John 3:18: "Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." A friend in deed is a friend indeed. CALEB. Joshua 14:6-15. - James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose "What is the end of fame? 'Tis but to fill A certain portion of uncertain paper; Some liken it to climbing up a hill, Whose summit, like all hills, is lost in vapour; For this men write, speak, preach, and heroes kill, And bards burn what they call 'the midnight taper." —Byron. If the worldling's fame ends only in the blinding mists, it is not so with the man of God, for the "path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more until the perfect day." The name Caleb means wholehearted. In his character he was true to his name, and his fame is still spread abroad as sweet ointment poured forth. His career did not end in the cold vapour of disappointment, like that of the half-hearted Balaam. He "followed God fully," and was rewarded abundantly. Here is a revelation of— I. His Character. He was— 1. HONEST. He says, "When Moses sent me to espy out the land, I brought him word again as it was in my heart" (Josh 14:7). His heart was right with God, so he spoke out what was in it. Solomon saith, "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth" (Prov. 16:23). The man with his heart so fixed, trusting in the Lord, is not afraid of evil tidings (Psa. 112. 7, 8). The hypocrite is a man without heart. "The pure in heart shall see God." 2. CHARITABLE. "Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt" (v. 8). Although his companions in the search brought back an evil report, which discouraged the people, dishonoured God, and belied his own testimony, still he speaks of them as "my brethren." Charity suffereth long, and is kind; is not easily provoked. Moses cried, "Ye rebels!" and so his tongue hindered his feet from entering the land. 3. DEVOTED. "I followed the Lord my God" (v. 8). Caleb had another spirit within him (Num. 14:24). He followed the Lord his God exactly in the way in which we should follow Him. By accepting His will, trusting His Word, casting himself into His revealed purpose, and fearlessly standing in the strength of it. As Luther said, "I cannot do otherwise, so help me God." And God did help. II. His Faith. He— 1. RECALLS THE PROMISE. "Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance" (v. 9). "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Unbelief has a very short memory, but faith remembers the Word of the Lord. 2. BELIEVES THE WORD. The promise of God (Num. 14:24) is not only remembered, but trusted. All along he had been making it the rod and staff of his comfort. Let it be ours also through faith to look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7). 3. CLAIMS THE BLESSING. "Now therefore give me this mountain whereof the Lord spake in that day" (v. 12). The conditions had been fulfilled, and he would enter "now therefore" right into the possession of it. This is not presumption, it is the courage of an honest faith in God that wins His smile, that secures His favour, and gains that crowning benediction—a satisfied soul. Put in your claim. "Now therefore give me this blessing whereof the Lord hath spoken." Remember His promise, believe it, claim the fulfilment of it. "Be it unto me according to Thy Word." III. His Testimony. "I am going to preach Jesus," said one man to another on his way to a meeting. "I trust the Lord will be with you," replied his friend. "Well, if He is not I shall speak well of Him behind His back," was his happy answer. Caleb speaks well of God. He testifies to— 1. GOD'S FAITHFULNESS. "Behold, the Lord hath kept me these forty and five years" (v. 10). Kept through these terrible forty years in the wilderness. Kept by the power of God, while the whole multitude melted away through unbelief. Kept by the power of God through faith unto this salvation now revealed and enjoyed. He is faithful. Testify according to the proportion of your faith. 2. GOD'S GOODNESS. "I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me" (v. 11). If the joy of the Lord is our strength there is no reason why the lapse of time should weaken it. Those who lose their first love will also lose their first strength. The trees of the Lord's planting and nurturing are always full of sap. Healthy, fruitbearing trees are a good testimony to the wisdom and carefulness of the gardener. A strong, healthy Christian is a continual witness to the riches and goodness of his Lord and Saviour. 3. GOD'S POWER. "If so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out" (v. 12). This testimony is true. Our ability to gain the victory over our enemies lies not in our wisdom or strength, but in His presence with us. Caleb knew that God alone could gird him with strength sufficient to break the bow of steel (Psa. 18:32-34). "Through God we shall do valiantly, for He it is that shall tread down our enemies" (Psa. 60:12). "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57). It is not surprising to find that after such a testimony as this Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him the inheritance (v. 13). "Blessed are all they that trust in Him."
Josué 14
Meyer - Joshua 14:11 As my strength was then, even so is my strength now. Men sometimes lose heart as they grow old. They say: My intellect will become impaired, my physical strength will abate, my power for service will wane. Yes: but if the outward man decays, the inward man shall be renewed day by day. Those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: whether to war, to go out for service, or to come in for fellowship and rest. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. He shall satisfy thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle’s. God’s angels are always young. The drain of the years is amply met by the inflow of his all-sufficient grace. There is no reason why we should decline in usefulness and fruit-bearing with the increase of years; but the reverse. The last sheaves that fall beneath thy sickle shall be the heaviest; and the width of thy swathe shall be greatest as the angel of death touches thee and bids thee home. The secret lies in wholly following the Lord. But Caleb did not rely on his strength to win Hebron. Very modestly and humbly he said, “It may be that the Lord will be with me.” Not that he for a moment doubted it. Could it be for one moment supposed that the God whom he had wholly followed for eighty years would desert him in the supreme crisis of his life? But he put it thus in the sweet lowliness of his soul, because he counted not himself worthy. The strongest men are they who count that they are helpless as worms; and who put their weakness at the disposal of God’s might. To each of us comes the promise of God: “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Joshua 14:12 "Now then, give me this hill country about which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken." Anakim: Jos 11:21,22 Nu 13:28,33 if so be: Nu 14:8,9 21:34 1Sa 14:6 2Ch 14:11 Ps 18:32-34 27:1-3 44:3 Ps 60:12 118:10-12 Ro 8:31 Php 4:13 Heb 11:33 I shall: Jos 15:14 Jdg 1:20 Joshua 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 13:28; 33+ “Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. (13:33) “There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 14:8; 9+ “If the LORD is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us–a land which flows with milk and honey. 9 “Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” GIVE ME THIS HILL! Now then, give me this hill country about which the LORD spoke on that day - Most people at 85 would just like a place of rest and quiet. But Caleb claims the promise which the LORD spoke to him 40 years earlier! The land he wants is the same that had struck fear and unbelief in the hearts of the 10 spies 45 years earlier! THOUGHT - God's promises are sure, but they must be claimed by faith and as Caleb demonstrates faith obeys the LORD. Are there promises that you are failing to lay hold of because you have been unfaithful, because you have been only partially obedient (which is disobedience)? We probably all have a few regrets in this area. Paul gives us good advice writing "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.." (Php 3:13-14+) By the Spirit, may we press on brothers and sisters! Amen Caleb did not seek to become retired, but re-fired! For you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities - Caleb reminds Joshua of truths he also knew for he was there. Caleb clearly has a "giant" faith (pun intended) which he is still (after 47 years of waiting) convinced will allow him to conquer giant men and "giant" cities. Caleb magnified God and minimized the problems, while the 10 unbelieving spies did just the opposite! Oh, for a faith like Caleb! Caleb's request is all the more fascinating (and ironic) for this is the very description that the 10 spies used to keep Israel from going into the promised land. “Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 “Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.” (Nu 13:28-29+) In addition one of the other names of Hebron was Kiriath-arba, which means city of Arba who was one of the great giants from the Anakim. That God would give Caleb "Arba's" city shows how God's power always triumphs over the adversary. Campbell - Though most older people are more apt to talk about old conflicts than to take on new ones, Caleb was ready for one more good battle. He was eager to fight the Anakites at Hebron and take that city for his possession. Caleb chose a large and foreboding task. Not that he was filled with pride in his own ability. Rather he believed God would be with him. Caleb had faith in the presence of God. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken - NET has "assuming the LORD is with me." NLT has "if the LORD is with me." NIV = "but the LORD helping me." Notice Caleb's cautious humble dependence on the LORD. He has faith, but his faith is not "name it, claim it," faith. His faith is in his strong God and he knows if God is with him, who can be against him, as Paul would say (Ro 8:31+). Caleb clearly understands the powerful principle of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility and puts that truth before Joshua as the reason he will be able to possess "Every place on which the sole of (his) foot treads" (Joshua 1:3). May his tribe increase! Wayne Barber on perhaps... - The Hebrew expresses no doubt at all. He’s not doubting God. What he’s saying is, if we could say it better, it would say: “I know that there’ll be difficulty in the battle. I know that. I understand that.” Here is what Caleb HEARD (Note the command to "hear") and believed which gave him assurance that he could defeat the formidable foes... “Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, 2 a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ 3 “Know therefore today that it is the LORD your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the LORD has spoken to you. (Deuteronomy 9:1-3+) Gene Getz on LORD...with me and I will - Here again we have that unique and intricate balance between God—confidence and self-confidence. And it should be noted that Caleb's use of the word “perhaps” does not imply doubt, but humility. Caleb knew he could win the battle. If he believed it when they were still in the wilderness forty-five years before, how much more so after having seen God deliver thirty-one Canaanite kings into their hands. (Men of Character: Joshua)