Give Me That Mountain Series

When Caleb says, “…It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said” (v. 12) he is expressing humility not doubt.

Now Joshua responds by granting Caleb his request in verse thirteen, “And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb ….” I like the way one author sees this conversation going in his sanctified imagination. “Caleb it’s yours. You deserve it. I’m sorry I forgot. It’s because of you that I mustered enough courage to take a stand against Israel’s hostility and disobedience. It was because of you that I spoke out against their rebellion and unbelief. You helped me become the man that I am – a man that God could trust to lead Israel in place of Moses. I drew strength from you, Caleb. And you have been faithful to me. You’ve supported me, helped me, encouraged me. You’ve never shown jealousy or resentment because you were not chosen to lead Israel, even though you were a stronger man than I, both physically and psychologically. I’m sorry I didn’t remember God’s promise myself. I’m glad you reminded me! It’s yours! Take the mountain that God promised you!”

Verse fourteen says “…Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb ….. because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.” The secret of his success was that over his many years of service was that he wholly followed the Lord. The word “wholly” means “wholeheartedly” or “with you whole heart.” In fact if you look back through chapter fourteen you will see that the key word about Caleb’s service before God was the word “wholeheartedly.” Caleb had followed God with his whole heart and he is still doing that at the end. Can you say that? Are you a Caleb? Does God have your whole heart without reservation.?