Caleb’s Unwavering Faith Was Rewarded

When facing overwhelming opposition, it’s tempting to blend in with the crowd rather than stand alone for what’s right. The story of Caleb in the Old Testament demonstrates the power of unwavering faith and the incredible rewards that come to those who refuse to compromise their trust in God.

We are first introduced to Caleb in Numbers 13-14. That is when twelve spies were sent to scout the Promised Land before the Israelites entered it. When they returned, ten of them shared fearful reports about giants and fortified cities, spreading panic throughout Israel. However, Caleb and Joshua brought back a faith-filled perspective believing they could take them. While the majority focused on obstacles, Caleb declared, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). When the people wanted to stone him for his optimistic report, Caleb stood firm: “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us” (Numbers 14:8).

While Caleb had strong faith, the lack of faith in the Israelites costed them dearly in the short term. Because of their unbelief, they spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. Despite this, Caleb never wavered in his conviction or grew bitter toward God. In Numbers 14:24 it saysthat Caleb “followed the Lord wholeheartedly.”

While the short term results were not great for Caleb and the Israelites were not good, God’s reward for his faithfulness was amazing. At the age of 85, when Israel finally entered the Promised Land, Caleb approached Joshua with bold confidence: “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day” (Joshua 14:12). The very territory filled with giants that had terrified the other spies became Caleb’s inheritance. God gave him strength to drive out the Anakites and claim his promised land.