The Character of Caleb. Caleb stands in Scripture as a bright example of one who wholly followed the Lord. While many around him faltered in fear and unbelief, Caleb’s spirit was marked by loyalty, faith, patience, and perseverance. His life reminds us that true blessing comes through undivided devotion to God, and his example shines as a guide for believers who seek to walk faithfully today. There are a number of key characteristics that marked his life of faith.
- “Wholehearted” (the meaning of Caleb’s name – Num. 13:6). The meaning of Caleb’s name, “wholehearted” (from kol = all, lev = heart), beautifully reflects the character of his life. He was of the tribe of Judah, a man marked by undivided loyalty to the Lord. The Lord values singleness of purpose, as the Lord Jesus Himself taught: “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). Just as a single eye fills the body with light (Matt. 6:22), so Caleb’s whole heart was set upon the Lord. His name was not an empty title, but a true expression of his character.
- Caleb Valued the Inheritance (Num. 13:21-25). When the spies searched the land, Caleb set his heart on Hebron, the place of communion. He valued the inheritance God had promised, and he longed for the spiritual fruit symbolized by the clusters of grapes brought from Canaan. Hebron, meaning “communion,” reminds us that fellowship with God is the richest portion of His people. Yet it is precisely here that the enemy seeks to resist us most fiercely (pictured by giants), for nothing is more opposed by Satan than the believer’s communion with God. Caleb teaches us to treasure the inheritance and be willing to face opposition to enjoy it.
- Caleb Had a Good Attitude — Confidence in God (Num. 13:27-33; 14:7-8). Caleb stood apart from the fearful report of the other spies. Where unbelief saw only giants, Caleb saw God. His attitude was one of confidence in divine strength, not in human ability. “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Faith does not deny the difficulties, but it sees them in the light of God’s greatness. Caleb’s spirit of trust shows us that a heart set upon God can look at the same facts as others, yet come to a very different conclusion… one that gives courage rather than fear.
- Caleb Was Not Alone — Faithful Companionship (Num. 14:6). Though the multitude rebelled, Caleb was not left to stand entirely by himself. Joshua shared his faith and joined with him in urging the people to trust God. This companionship strengthened both men in the face of opposition. The Lord often provides faithful companions to walk with us in the truth, as John commended Demetrius to Gaius as a fellow worker in the truth (3 John 1:12). Caleb’s fellowship with Joshua reminds us that God does not leave His servants alone, but raises up those who can stand together in faith.
- Caleb Showed Patience and Grace Toward His Brethren (Josh. 14:6-13). Caleb had to wait forty-five years before receiving the inheritance promised to him. During that long period of wandering, he bore patiently with the failures of his brethren. There is no record of bitterness or resentment in his words when he finally came to Joshua for his portion. Caleb trusted God’s timing and showed grace toward those whose unbelief delayed his blessing. His spirit reminds us that faith not only looks upward in confidence to God, but also outward in grace toward failing brethren, resting in the Lord’s perfect time.
- Caleb Fully Followed the Lord — And Was Strengthened by It (Josh. 14:8-9, 11, 14). The repeated testimony of Scripture is that Caleb “wholly followed the Lord.” What his name meant, his life displayed. His wholehearted devotion was met by God’s sustaining power, for at eighty-five years old he still possessed the vigor to claim his portion. Wholeheartedness leads to spiritual vitality, for “they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isa. 40:31). Caleb’s example shows that a life of undivided loyalty not only honors God, but also brings strength to endure and finish well.
- Caleb Drove Out the Giants with Spiritual Energy (Josh. 14:12-15; 11:21-23). When it came time to receive his inheritance, Caleb chose Hebron, the very place where the giants dwelt. His faith not only desired communion, but also had the courage to overcome the obstacles in the way. The key cities connected with Caleb’s conquest, Hebron (“communion”), Debir (“oracle”), and Anab (“clusters”), picture the believer’s enjoyment of fellowship with God, reading His Word, and fruitfulness in our life. The enemy seeks to keep us from these things, but faith armed with spiritual energy lays hold of them. Caleb shows us that victory comes where communion, the Word, and fruitfulness are valued.
- Caleb Encouraged the Next Generation to Value the Inheritance (Josh. 15:16-17). Caleb’s vision extended beyond himself. He encouraged the younger generation to be courageous and value the inheritance as he had done. By offering his daughter to the one who would conquer the city of the book (Kirjath-sepher, or Debir), he inspired Othniel to rise in faith and obtain victory. Mature believers have a responsibility to stir up courage in those who follow after, rewarding and affirming their faith. Caleb’s life did not end in solitary triumph; it bore fruit in the lives of others who would also walk in faith and claim their portion.