Joshua 14:9
On that day Moses swore to me, saying, 'Surely the land on which you have set foot will be an inheritance to you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.'
On that day Moses swore to me, saying,

Moses confirmed that Caleb would receive the territory he had explored when Israel first approached Canaan. The promise followed Caleb’s faithful report when the other spies and the nation refused to trust the Lord.

Num 14:24 But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit…
Deu 1:36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it,…
Num 14:30 Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore…

‘Surely the land on which you have set foot

Caleb had traveled through the hill country around Hebron, an ancient and important Canaanite city. Its fortified settlements and powerful inhabitants had intimidated the other spies, yet Caleb believed God would give Israel the land.

Jos 1:3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot…
Deu 11:24 Every place where the sole of your foot treads…
Gen 13:17 Get up and walk around the land, through its length…

will be an inheritance to you and your children forever,

The grant secured an enduring family possession within Israel. Hebron later became both Caleb’s inheritance and a Levitical city, while its surrounding fields remained with Caleb’s descendants.

Exo 32:13 Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,…
Gen 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land…
Psa 105:11 I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion…

because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’

Caleb’s confidence rested on the Lord’s promise rather than the strength of Canaan’s inhabitants. His obedience set him apart from the unbelieving generation and led to the fulfillment of Moses’ oath.

Num 32:12 not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite……
Jos 22:5 But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law…
2Ki 18:6 He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Caleb
One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. He is noted for his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion to God.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He made the promise to Caleb regarding his inheritance.

3. The Promised Land (Canaan)
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Caleb was promised a portion of this land for his faithfulness.

4. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

5. Hebron
The specific area in the Promised Land that Caleb was promised as his inheritance.
Teaching Points
Wholehearted Devotion
Caleb's example teaches us the importance of following God with our whole heart. His faithfulness was rewarded with a lasting inheritance.

Faith in God's Promises
Caleb believed in God's promise despite the challenges. We are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting.

Generational Blessing
Caleb's faithfulness not only secured his inheritance but also that of his descendants. Our faithfulness can have a lasting impact on future generations.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
Caleb stood firm in his faith despite the negative report of the other spies. We are encouraged to stand firm in our convictions, even when others doubt.

God's Faithfulness
The fulfillment of God's promise to Caleb reminds us of God's faithfulness to His word. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Caleb's example of wholehearted devotion challenge your current walk with God?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate faith in God's promises in your daily life, especially when facing challenges?

3. How can you ensure that your faithfulness to God impacts future generations positively?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to stand firm in your faith when faced with opposition or doubt from others?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling a promise. How does this encourage you to trust Him more?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 13-14
These chapters recount the account of the twelve spies, including Caleb, and the subsequent rebellion of the Israelites. Caleb's faithfulness is highlighted here.

Deuteronomy 1:36
This verse reiterates the promise made to Caleb because of his faithfulness and wholehearted following of God.

Hebrews 3:7-19
This passage warns against unbelief and encourages believers to follow the example of faithfulness, as demonstrated by Caleb.
Caleb and His InheritanceJ. Waite Joshua 14:6-14
CalebW.F. Adeney Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb -- Youth in Old AgeA. Maclaren. D. D.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb the KeneziteHenry Smith.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb the SoldierT. Guthrie, D. D.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb's ChoiceD. Davies.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb's ConfessionJohn McNeill.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb's History -- Piety Portrayed and Piety PromotedHomilistJoshua 14:6-15
Caleb's InheritanceW. R. Campbell.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb's Reflection on the Goodness and Faithfulness of God to HimJ. Orton.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb's RewardEdward N. Packard.Joshua 14:6-15
Caleb's Vigour of Mind in Old AgeW. Seaton.Joshua 14:6-15
Following the LordC. D. Marston, M. A.Joshua 14:6-15
God Rewards His Faithful FollowersN. Emmons, D. D.Joshua 14:6-15
Joshua's Grateful RetrospectOur Own MagazineJoshua 14:6-15
The Inheritance of CalebW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 14:6-15
The Law of DistributionW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 14:6-15
People
Anakites, Arba, Caleb, Eleazar, Israelites, Jephunneh, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Nun, Ruth
Places
Canaan, Gilgal, Hebron, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kiriath-arba
Topics
TRUE, Assuredly, Children's, Followed, Foot, Forever, Fully, Hast, Heart, Heritage, Inheritance, Oath, Placed, Saying, Sons, Surely, Sware, Sweareth, Swore, Trodden, Truly, Walked, Whereon, Wholeheartedly, Wholly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 14:9

     5151   feet

Joshua 14:6-14

     8024   faith, and blessings

Joshua 14:7-12

     8225   devotion

Joshua 14:8-9

     8253   faithfulness, examples

Joshua 14:9-12

     8331   reliability

Library
Caleb --A Green Old Age
'And Caleb... said unto him (Joshua), Thou knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh- barnea.'--JOSHUA xiv. 6. Five and forty years had passed since the Lord had 'said this thing.' It was the promise to these two, now old men, of the prolongation of their lives, and to Caleb of his inheritance in the land. Seven years of fighting have been got through, and the preparations are being made for the division of the land by lot. But, before that is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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