Joshua 14:14 - Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the Lord God of Israel fully.
Interesting side note- Caleb's name means "dog".
What do you think his parents were thinking when they named him this? I don't know. I hope it doesn't have reference to his looks. I think it may be found in his nature, the reason he was named "dog".
A dog follows his master.
A dog is obedient and waits for his master. Sometimes a dog doesn't know to back down from a fight. Sometimes a dog doesn't follow the pack, but rather his master.
Caleb followed God (as it says in Joshua 14:14) fully. Wholly. With all his heart and soul and mind and strength. Caleb was like a dog following his master.
When the 12 spies were sent out to check out this land God had promised to Israel, Caleb was the first to report to the people. "HEY GUYS! It's everything God has said it would be. Come on let's go now. Let's not wait another moment. We can do this. We can go into this land and take it."
Of course the story goes that the report of the other 10 spies caused the people to doubt and fear and not be obedient to God.
Israel was disciplined by God, commanding them to travel 40 years (1 year for each day the spies were in the promise land) until everyone who grumbled and complained and rebelled against God was dead. Imagine how unfair this is. Caleb who had done everything God had asked was now having to endure the 40 year wandering because of someone else's sin. But Caleb followed God fully. He walked every step out of this journey out. But Caleb got to go into the promise land and not only that, but Caleb got to request the portion of land that he desired to settle in.
Caleb asked for Hebron.
Caleb never lost his tenaciousness for following his master, God.
How much dog do you have in you today?
How hard are you willing to follow after God today?
Be a Caleb.....
God on you....
mb
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