Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and loyalty to God. His request for Hebron is a significant event that highlights his character and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites.

Background

Caleb first appears in the biblical narrative as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13). Unlike the other spies, Caleb, along with Joshua, brought back a positive report, encouraging the Israelites to trust in God's promise to give them the land. Numbers 13:30 records Caleb's words: "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!'"

Because of his faithfulness, God promised Caleb that he would inherit the land he had explored. Numbers 14:24 states, "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it."

Request for Hebron

The fulfillment of this promise is recorded in the Book of Joshua. After the conquest of Canaan, Caleb approaches Joshua at Gilgal to claim his inheritance. Joshua 14:6-12 details Caleb's request:

"Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, 'You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back an honest report. But my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. Yet I followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. On that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your foot has walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’ Now behold, the LORD has kept me alive these forty-five years as He promised, since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old, still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; my strength for battle and for daily tasks is now as it was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day. For you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there and their cities were large and fortified. But the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as He said.'"

Inheritance of Hebron

Joshua honors Caleb's request, and Hebron becomes his inheritance. Joshua 14:13-14 records, "Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly."

Hebron, a significant city in the hill country of Judah, was formerly known as Kiriath-arba, named after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim. Caleb's conquest of Hebron is a testament to his faith and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Significance

Caleb's request for Hebron is a powerful example of faith, perseverance, and the fulfillment of divine promises. His account serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's promises and to follow Him wholeheartedly, regardless of the challenges they may face. Caleb's inheritance of Hebron is not only a personal victory but also a symbol of God's faithfulness to His people.