Translations
Original
Notes
Caleb was one of the twelve spies Moses sent to assess the political and military situation in Canaan. Only Caleb and Joshua reported that God would help Israel conquer Canaan (Numbers 13:6, 8, 16, 30). Caleb later became the father-in-law of Othniel, Israel’s first judge (Judges 1:13).
Because of his faithfulness, Caleb received the area around Hebron as his inheritance, and he expelled the Anakites (see Joshua 14:12–15; Judges 1:20).
Secular treaties (formal agreements between nations) often included a section about the past relationship between the two partners. This section reviewed what had happened before the agreement.
In this case, the purpose was to review Israel’s successes and failures since the exodus from Egypt. It reminded the people that God had kept his word, even when they did not obey him.
To prepare the Israelites for life in Canaan, Moses reminded them about life in Egypt, their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and their past mistakes. He warned them to obey God's covenant. He assured them that God's grace would follow them as they learned to trust and obey the Lord.
Parallels
People
Caleb: Faithful spy, given Hebron as inheritance Jephunneh: The Kenizzite, father of Caleb the spy
Glossary
Amorites Anak, Anakim, Anakites Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of
Topics
Caleb: One of the Two Survivors of the Israelites Permitted to Enter the Land of Promise Decision: Caleb Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: Punishment for Rebellion Obedience: Caleb Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites