Even in advanced years, Caleb determines to claim God’s promise for himself and for future generations.
When Caleb speaks the words, “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” (v.12), he is expressing a bold request for the specific region of Hebron. Hebron lies in the southern highlands of Canaan, about 20 miles south of Jerusalem. In ancient times, it was originally known as Kiriath-arba, named after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15). This elevated terrain was heavily fortified and inhabited by formidable adversaries, but Caleb’s unwavering trust in God’s promise propels him to claim this difficult territory even in the face of daunting foes. The verse highlights that Caleb clings to the memory of what the LORD spoke when the Israelites first spied out the land, recalling the faithfulness of God’s word regarding the conquest of Canaan.
The important figure speaking these words is Caleb, one of the twelve Israelites sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land around 1445 BC (Numbers 13:1-16). Caleb, along with Joshua, gave a faithful report of the land and urged the people to trust God, despite widespread fear among the other ten spies (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9). By the time we reach Joshua 14—which occurs around 1400 BC—Moses has died (circa 1406 BC), the Israelites have entered Canaan, and much of the conquest is behind them. Here, Caleb, now older but still full of vigor and trust, is ready to complete what he first believed God would accomplish. His dependence on the LORD reveals a consistent pattern of obedience and reliance on God’s power, echoing principles found later in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust God to overcome obstacles (Romans 8:31).
In this verse, Caleb’s example of faith stands as a reminder that possessing God’s promises often requires courage and obedience toward His instructions. Caleb acknowledges that “perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken” (v.12), indicating both humility and confidence, trusting that God’s presence will pave the way for success. This posture anticipates the message of Christ, who calls believers to walk by faith rather than by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Through Caleb’s story, we see that promised blessings may require continued effort, but they also come with the assurance that God empowers those who wait on Him.
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Joshua 14:12 meaning
When Caleb speaks the words, “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” (v.12), he is expressing a bold request for the specific region of Hebron. Hebron lies in the southern highlands of Canaan, about 20 miles south of Jerusalem. In ancient times, it was originally known as Kiriath-arba, named after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15). This elevated terrain was heavily fortified and inhabited by formidable adversaries, but Caleb’s unwavering trust in God’s promise propels him to claim this difficult territory even in the face of daunting foes. The verse highlights that Caleb clings to the memory of what the LORD spoke when the Israelites first spied out the land, recalling the faithfulness of God’s word regarding the conquest of Canaan.
The important figure speaking these words is Caleb, one of the twelve Israelites sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land around 1445 BC (Numbers 13:1-16). Caleb, along with Joshua, gave a faithful report of the land and urged the people to trust God, despite widespread fear among the other ten spies (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9). By the time we reach Joshua 14—which occurs around 1400 BC—Moses has died (circa 1406 BC), the Israelites have entered Canaan, and much of the conquest is behind them. Here, Caleb, now older but still full of vigor and trust, is ready to complete what he first believed God would accomplish. His dependence on the LORD reveals a consistent pattern of obedience and reliance on God’s power, echoing principles found later in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust God to overcome obstacles (Romans 8:31).
In this verse, Caleb’s example of faith stands as a reminder that possessing God’s promises often requires courage and obedience toward His instructions. Caleb acknowledges that “perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken” (v.12), indicating both humility and confidence, trusting that God’s presence will pave the way for success. This posture anticipates the message of Christ, who calls believers to walk by faith rather than by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Through Caleb’s story, we see that promised blessings may require continued effort, but they also come with the assurance that God empowers those who wait on Him.