Caleb (Kalev ben Yefuneh, in Hebrew) was one of the twelve spies sent to scout out Canaan soon after the Exodus. While most of the spies were intimidated by the Canaanites and their walled cities and returned discouraging reports, Caleb gave a more favorable account and was allowed to go into the promised land.
Notable Sources
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Caleb's Bold DeclarationMIDRASH
Caleb's Bold Declaration
MIDRASH
Caleb's unwavering confidence in the Israelites' ability to conquer the land stands out as a beacon of faith and determination. In the book of Numbers, Caleb separates himself from the other spies, praying at the graves of the forefathers in Hebron for strength to resist their negative counsel.
Caleb's Courage and StrategyMIDRASH
Caleb's Courage and Strategy
MIDRASH
Caleb's strategic thinking and determination to speak up against the negative report of the other spies highlight his exceptional faith and courage. Louis Ginzberg's 'Legends of the Jews' offers a rich narrative synthesis of midrashic literature, bringing to life the biblical episode of the twelve spies sent to Canaan.
Caleb's Unique Divine PromiseCOMMENTARY
Caleb's Unique Divine Promise
COMMENTARY
Caleb's prayer and inner struggle led to a unique divine promise of a specific lifespan, ensuring his participation in the conquest of Canaan. The 18th-century Moroccan Kabbalist and Talmudist, Rabbi Chaim ben Attar, in his commentary Or HaChaim, explores Caleb's loyalty and courage, which earned him this extraordinary promise from God.
Caleb's Unwavering FaithHALAKHAH
Caleb's Unwavering Faith
HALAKHAH
Caleb's courage and unwavering faith in God's promise, even in the face of potential violence, set him apart as a unique figure of steadfastness and conviction. The biblical narrative of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan highlights Caleb and Joshua's exceptional faith and trust in God.
Caleb's Different SpiritJEWISH THOUGHT
Caleb's Different Spirit
JEWISH THOUGHT
Caleb's unique spiritual perspective and his willingness to elevate himself and the people spiritually set him apart from the other spies. Isaac ben Moses Arama's Akeidat Yitzchak explores Caleb's call 'we can go up' and God's description of him as having a 'different spirit' (ruach acheret).
Caleb's Call to FaithMUSAR
Caleb's Call to Faith
MUSAR
Caleb reminded the Israelites of past divine miracles to strengthen their faith and encourage them to trust in God's support. The Chafetz Chaim, a 19th-century ethical work, highlights Caleb's unique spiritual resilience and his efforts to bolster the people's confidence in God's promises.
Caleb's Stand Against the SpiesCOMMENTARY
Caleb's Stand Against the Spies
COMMENTARY
Caleb's courage in opposing the negative report of the spies stands out, especially given Moses' unusual silence during this critical moment. This analysis delves into the incident of the spies in the Book of Numbers, focusing on Caleb's leadership and the implications of Moses' silence.
Caleb's Unique FaithKABBALAH
Caleb's Unique Faith
KABBALAH
Caleb's unique faith and dedication are exemplified by his separation from the other spies and his visit to Hebron to pray at the graves of the Patriarchs. The Zohar, a central work of Jewish mysticism, highlights Caleb's actions in contrast to the other spies who spread fear and false reports about the land.
Divine Allocation of LandMIDRASH
Divine Allocation of Land
MIDRASH
Two faithful individuals received their portions of land directly from God, bypassing the usual lottery system. The early 20th-century compilation Ein Yaakov recounts how one of these individuals received the fields and villages around Hebron, while the city itself was designated as a city of refuge.
Caleb's RewardTARGUM
Caleb's Reward
TARGUM
Caleb's unwavering loyalty to God earned him the land of Hebron and ensured his descendants would inherit it. The Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, a western targum (translation) of the Torah, elaborates on Caleb's reward for his faith and integrity.
A Vision of the Promised LandCOMMENTARY
A Vision of the Promised Land
COMMENTARY
Two of the spies saw the mission to Canaan as an opportunity to highlight the land's beauty and destiny, rather than just a reconnaissance task. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores this unique perspective and the role in conveying the promise of the land to the Israelites.
The Faith of Caleb and JoshuaSECOND TEMPLE
The Faith of Caleb and Joshua
SECOND TEMPLE
Caleb and Joshua were spared from the plague due to their unwavering faith and obedience to God's oracles. Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, highlights the unique spirit (ruach acheret) that set Caleb and Joshua apart from the other spies.
Caleb's Unique FaithCOMMENTARY
Caleb's Unique Faith
COMMENTARY
Caleb's act of separating from the other spies to pray at the graves of the Patriarchs in Hebron demonstrates his unique faith and dedication. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides a clear and engaging exploration of Caleb's actions and their significance.