Bible Figure
Caleb
biblical character; son of Jephunneh; representative of the Tribe of Judah during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land (Num. 13:6)
Caleb son of Jephunneh was the faithful spy from Judah who trusted God's promise when most of Israel feared the inhabitants of Canaan.
Biography
Caleb represented Judah among the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan. With Joshua he opposed the fearful majority report and urged Israel to enter the land, confident that God could give it to them. Because of this faithfulness, God promised that Caleb would survive the wilderness generation and receive the land he had explored. Decades later, at age eighty-five, Caleb reminded Joshua of that promise and asked for the hill country around Hebron despite the presence of Anakim and fortified cities. He received Hebron as his inheritance and drove out the descendants of Anak.
Biblical Significance
Caleb is one of Scripture's clearest examples of wholehearted trust in God's promise despite intimidating circumstances. His sustained faith from the spying mission into old age contrasts sharply with the unbelief of his generation.