February 15, 2022 - Joshua 13-16

The Lord said to Joshua, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess” (13:1). Nevertheless, the land was now divided among the tribes of Israel. Included in this narrative is one of the most compelling episodes in all of Scripture. Caleb reminded Joshua about the episode concerning the spies sent into Canaan forty years earlier, “My brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God” (14:9).

Because of Caleb’s faithfulness, the Lord had promised to give him the hill country. Now, at 85 years old, Caleb said, “So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said” (14:12). 85 years old and still trusting God and faithfully doing his work! You know, that’s the way it should be with us, and even more so as we grow older and get closer and closer to seeing our Savior face to face.

Others saw the giants, Caleb saw the Lord;

They were sore disheartened, He believed God's word;

And that word he fully, fearlessly, obeyed--

Was it not sufficient that the Lord hath said?

I will never leave thee;

Go in this thy might;

One shall chase a thousand,

Two put ten to flight.

O to follow fully like this one of old;

O to be like Caleb, doing what is told;

Then the Lord's rich blessing will be ours today,

He will prosper ever those who Him obey. --Anne E. Richards (1930)