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THE SPIRIT OF AND CALEB (JOSHUA 1:1-9; NUMBERS 14:6-12) ❖ Who was Joshua? • Joshua was the son of Nun “” i.e. proliferation (Joshua 1:1; 2:1, 23, &c). • Joshua was born in Beth-shemesh in (Joshua 15:10). • The name Joshua means “The Lord (is his) salvation” or “Lord of salvation.” commanded Joshua : “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:6-9; see also 1:18; 8:1; 10:8). continued - Who was Joshua? • Appointed by God to succeed (Joshua 1:1-2). • Led the nation of Israel to conquer the land of and to settle there (Joshua 1:13-14). Died at the age of 110 years (Judges 2:8). • Out of who recced the land of Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb brought back a good and faithful report. (Numbers 13:30; see also Joshua 14:9). ❖ Who was Caleb? • The name Caleb means "dog.” • He was a son of Jephunneh (“kept by God) from the tribe of (Numbers 13:6). • He was elected to represent the to search the land of Canaan. continued - Who was Caleb? • Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the , Canaan. (Numbers 13:6,30; 14:6-24, 30, 38). • He was forty years old when Moses sent him to recce the land (Joshua 14:6-7). • He was 85 years old when the land of Canaan was finally possessed. (Joshua 14:10). “But my servant Caleb, because he had another (different) spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14:24; see also 13:30; 14:6-9). “As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me…Now therefore give me this mountain…” Caleb’s request was granted and became his divine inheritance (Joshua 14:11-15)

❖ Encouraging Report The report Joshua and Caleb brought back was positive and very encouraging. Joshua and Caleb saw fortified , and there were giants too, but they were not discouraged at all. Cluster of Grapes from the brook Esh’col (Numbers 13: 24) ❖ Discouraging Report The other ten spies, (names mentioned in Numbers 13:4-16) When they saw the fortified cities with gigantic-sized men (Hebrew Nephilim), they were discouraged. It was a picture of doom and gloom.” (Numbers 13:33 see also Deuteronomy 1:28; 9:2; Joshua 11:21). They also made “the heart of the people melt” (Joshua14:8). ❖ Reward for Faithfulness Why were Caleb and Joshua allowed to enter the Promised Land, but not the rest of the ten spies? It was because of their unbelief. • Caleb and Joshua were men of faith and of courage. They trusted in the covenant-keeping God. • Caleb was rewarded for his faithfulness, obedience, and courage. (Joshua 14:13-14) ❖ Life’s Application What about us? Do we see problems, difficulties and challenges facing us, as our “giants,” that cannot be overcome? “… God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7) There are more than 50 verses of “fear not” in the Bible. Illustration: and (1 17:32-50) ❖ Conclusion Don’t be discouraged; don’t be fearful, when you are facing “giants” such as finance, health, unemployment, bosses, etc. (Philippians 4:6-7; see also Proverbs 3:5-6; 33:3) Be encouraged in the Lord. said, “… In the world, ye shall have tribulation: (trouble) but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33; see also Romans 8:37)