Who was Caleb?
Numbers 14:6-9
6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes
7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
8 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.
9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
New International Version (NIV)
The answer
Caleb was the son of Jephunneh, a man from the tribe of Judah, and one of the Israelites sent to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:6). He is remembered for trusting God’s promise when others gave way to fear.
- He urged Israel to obey God: Caleb called the people to go up and possess the land, confident that they were able to overcome it (Numbers 13:30).
- He stood faithfully with Joshua: When the congregation rebelled, Caleb and Joshua tore their clothes in grief. They affirmed that Canaan was an exceedingly good land and pleaded with Israel not to rebel against Yahweh or fear its inhabitants. Their confidence was that Yahweh was with His people (Numbers 14:6-9).
- God distinguished him from the unbelieving generation: God declared that the people would not enter the promised land, except Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:30).
Caleb’s example is courage grounded in God’s presence and promise. He did not pretend that possessing Canaan would be easy; he urged Israel to trust and obey God rather than rebel through fear (Numbers 14:8-9).
Answered from Scripture · reviewed November 12, 2026
Scripture cited
- Numbers 14:6-9
- Numbers 13:30
- Numbers 14:30
- Numbers 13:6
- Numbers 13:25-33