Caleb, the Man Who Asked for a Mountain! Judges 14:6-13 The Bible records the unfolding of God’s wonderful scheme of redemption. Three time periods: Genesis 3:15; 12:3; Galatians 3:16. In each time period God set forth truths to be believed, commandments to be obeyed, principles to govern lives. Included in each time period were people. Much can be learned by studying Bible characters. One of those characters was a man named Caleb.

Facts about Caleb: One of 12 spies, Numbers 13:1-15. Of tribe of Judah, Numbers 13:6. “the son of Jephunneh,” 13:6, a kennezite, Joshua 14:6. Probably a descendant of Esau through Eliphaz. cf. Gen. 36:10-11; I Chron. 1:36 One who came back with a good report, Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9. A man of great courage and faith, Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9.

Facts About Caleb (con’t) He followed God “fully,” Num. 14:24. All except he and Joshua, 20 years and above, perished in the wilderness. Caleb as he appeared in Joshua 14. 85 years old, Joshua 14:10. “As strong” as when Moses sent him. Said “give me this mountain,” Josh. 14:12! Became father in law of Othniel, Judges 4:7.

Caleb lived a Full Life! Had been a slave in Egypt. Witnessed the plagues, the parting of the sea, the glory of God. Spied out the land, gave a good report. He and Joshua the objects of the anger of those who wanted to stone them. Survived the wilderness wandering. Entered the promised land. Followed God “fully,” Num. 14:24; Josh. 14.

Facts About Hebron Formerly known as Kirjath Arba, Joshua 14:15. Arba the greatest man among the Anakim, Josh. 14:15, who descended from Anak, who were called “giants” in Numbers 13:33. Now known as Hebron. Mountainous region 25 mi. S. of Jerusalem. Burial place for Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob, Gen. 23:2,16,19; 49:29-31. Became the inheritance of Caleb.

Why Caleb Received Hebron: God spared his life, Joshua 14:10. He refused to allow Discouragement to defeat him, Joshua 14:8-9. God promised the land, Joshua 14:12. He depended on God, Joshua 14:12. God keeps His promises! 2 Peter 3:9.

Application: How Can we Benefit from the story of Caleb? We must develop the same “spirit” as characterized Caleb. Numbers 14:24. Caleb was a man of: Courage – not afraid of the giants. Obedience – followed God “fully.” Faithfulness; he believed God’s promises, Numbers 14:8. Persistency; he never gave up!

Application – we have our own mountains (“giants”) to conquer! Our “besetting sins,” Hebrews 12:1. Trials from without. Satan is taking aim! I Peter 5:8; 2 Cor. 11. Opposition from family, Matt. 10:34-37. Opposition from without, Matt. 10:22. Trials which come from aging. -- We, too must be strong and courageous, Ephesians 6:10-11.

Application (con’t) Like Caleb, we must “wholly” follow God, Joshua 14:8-9; cf. Rev. 3:15-16. Like Caleb, we must never give up, Hebrews 3:6; 6:12 We must never lose sight of the promises of God. Caleb took God at His word, and God blessed him.

Application – Christians are the recipients of “precious promises!” 2 Peter 1:4. Promise of remission of sins, Acts 2:38 Promise of “eternal life,” Titus 1:2. Promise of God’s provisions, Matthew 6:33. Promise of future glory, 2 Thess. 2:14. Promise of a heavenly inheritance, I Peter 1:3-4.

Conclusion Caleb, a Kennezite by birth, apparently through circumcision, became an Israelite (of the tribe of Judah); he ultimately entered the promised land, and obtained his own inheritance in the land. Through a new birth we are adopted into God’s family, able to be an heir of God. But to finally receive that inheritance we must fight our giants, conquer the mountains before us, and live for God in the here & now.