We have a unique situation that unfolds in this book. Of all the spies that Moses sent into the promised land, only Joshua and Caleb came back with a positive report. The rest of them were afraid and influenced the people to be afraid, also. As a result, Israel was sent to wonder 40 years in the wilderness. One of the main purposes of this wondering was that the original people who doubted, along with the majority of spies, were set to see their deaths in the desert and never go in the promised land. The only exception was Joshua and Caleb who had faith that they could conquer those who already lived in the promised land.
While on the wilderness journey, the people needed water. The first time this occurred, God told Moses to strike a certain rock so that water would proceed from it. The second time the people needed water God told Moses to speak to the rock for water to come from it. He disobeyed and struck the rock instead. Water did come from the rock. However, that disobedience later was the reason that Moses could not enter the promised land. When it came time for the descendants of those who exited Egypt, to enter the promised land, they needed a new leader to replace Moses.
The curiosity of our text makes us ask why Caleb was not selected by God to lead the people into the promised land. We already know that Caleb was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was obedient in all things expected of him. He brought back a good report originally 40 years earlier that the people could conquer the promised land residents. We must ask ourselves if there is anything in Scripture, is there any detail, that will help us understand why Caleb was a rejected hero in favor of Joshua leading the people.
Obviously, it is not up to us to judge God’s decisions. He does not owe us any explanation for anything. Whatever he plans is the right plan. Whoever he wants to be involved is his right to choose that person. Let us see if we can detect anything that would help us why Joshua was chosen over Caleb.
Joshua 1:1 identifies him as a minister of Moses. There is no such designation made for Caleb. Whatever it meant to be a minister of Moses is beyond our understanding. It is fair, however, to conclude that in the early years Joshua stood out among the people and as an associate of Moses. As part of the Exodus, it was needful to defeat the people of Amalek. Moses chose Joshua to leave them in fight. Aaron and Hur helped Moses extend his hands upward so the battle would be won. Caleb had no definite, unique involvement in this.
When it came time for Moses to receive the 10 Commandments on the mount from God, Joshua went with him. (Exodus 24:13) He was not only with Moses, in that same verse he was again called a minister to Moses. Another point to take note is that Moses instructed the people to turn to Aaron and Hur if they had a need while Moses was on the mountain. He did not instruct the people to turn to Caleb for any type of guidance.
While on the mountain with Moses, Joshua heard a noise from the people down below and told Moses that something was happening. He went so far as to tell Moses that the people were singing. When they came down from the mountain, Moses became immediately angry because of their idolatry resulting in Moses casting the tablets out of his hands. In fact, Aaron even encourage the people to be nude in their worship of the golden calf. (Exodus 32)
Joshua remained dedicated to the Lord and would not leave the tabernacle. (Exodus 33:11) later, when the people wanted to return to Egypt, it was then that Caleb joined Joshua in the grief for what the people planned. Together, they reasoned with the people how unwise it would be to return to Egypt. (Numbers 14)
All of these things are biblical history. What remains is a lesson for us. At no time did Caleb show any resentment or any type of rebellion against God or against Joshua. He was content with the choice that God made in Joshua. Later, after the land was conquered, Caleb then requested from Joshua to receive an inheritance as reward for his devotion. (Joshua 14:14) He did not demand extra reward. Caleb only asked for what was due him. (Deuteronomy 1:36) What is so true about Caleb is a complement that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. (Joshua 14:14)
When in years afterwards, the people backslid and served Baalim. Naturally, God’s anger resulted in the people coming under the king of Mesopotamia for eight years. However, when the people cried for deliverance from the Lord, he gave them a new deliver who was Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb. No doubt, the household of Caleb was a devout group of people wanting to serve the Lord. Whether we gain the number one position in leadership or not, it is wise of us to follow the example of Caleb.
Christian Writer 