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Numbers 14:24
Verse
Context
God’s Forgiveness and Judgment
23not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it.24But 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.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But my servant Caleb, etc. - Caleb had another spirit - not only a bold, generous, courageous, noble, and heroic spirit; but the Spirit and influence of the God of heaven thus raised him above human inquietudes and earthly fears, therefore be followed God fully; וימלא אחרי vaimalle acharai, literally, he filled after me: God showed him the way he was to take, and the line of conduct he was to pursue, and he filled up this line, and in all things followed the will of his Maker. He therefore shall see the promised land, and his seed shall possess it. A dastardly spirit in the things of God is a heavy curse. How many are retarded in their course, and fall short of the blessings of the Gospel, through magnifying the number and strength of their adversaries, their own weakness and the difficulties of the way, with which we may connect their distrust of the power, faithfulness, and goodness of God! And how many are prevented from receiving the higher degrees of salvation by foolishly attributing insurmountable power, either to their inward corruptions or outward enemies! Only such men as Joshua and Caleb, who take God at his word, and who know that against his wisdom no cunning can stand, and against his might no strength can prevail, are likely to follow God fully, and receive the heights, lengths, breadths, and depths of the salvation of God.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
But because there was another spirit in Caleb, - i.e., not the unbelieving, despairing, yet proud and rebellious spirit of the great mass of the people, but the spirit of obedience and believing trust, so that "he followed Jehovah fully" (lit., "fulfilled to walk behind Jehovah"), followed Him with unwavering fidelity, - God would bring him into the land into which he had gone, and his seed should possess it. (אחרי מלּא here, and at Num 32:11-12; Deu 1:36; Jos 14:8-9; Kg1 11:6, is a constructio praegnans for אחרי ללכת מלּא; cf. Ch2 34:31.) According to the context, the reference is not to Hebron particularly, but to Canaan generally, which God had sworn unto the fathers (Num 14:23, and Deu 1:36, comp. with Deu 1:35); although, when the land was divided, Caleb received Hebron for his possession, because, according to his own statement in Jos 14:6., Moses had sworn that he would give it to him. But this is not mentioned here; just as Joshua also is not mentioned in this place, as he is at Num 14:30 and Num 14:38, but Caleb only, who opposed the exaggerated accounts of the other spies at the very first, and endeavoured to quiet the excitement of the people by declaring that they were well able to overcome the Canaanites (Num 13:30). This first revelation of God to Moses is restricted to the main fact; the particulars are given afterwards in the sentence of God, as intended for communication to the people (Num 14:26-38).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my servant Caleb--Joshua was also excepted, but he is not named because he was no longer in the ranks of the people, being a constant attendant on Moses. because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully--Under the influence of God's Spirit, Caleb was a man of bold, generous, heroic courage, above worldly anxieties and fears.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley,.... By the Canaanites are meant the Amorites, as Aben Ezra, which were a principal people of the land of Canaan, and which may be confirmed by Deu 1:19; this may seem contrary to what is said Num 13:29; where they are said to dwell in the mountain; but it may be reconciled by observing, that indeed their proper settled habitation was in the mountain; but now they went down from thence, and "sat" (z) in the valley, as it may be rendered, in ambush, there lying in wait for the children of Israel, as in Psa 10:8; and so Aben Ezra interprets it of their sitting there, to lie in wait for them: and now, though these people had so sadly provoked the Lord, yet such was his goodness to them, as to warn them of the design of their enemies, and of the danger by them, to provide for their safety, by giving them the following instruction: tomorrow turn you; do not go forward, lest ye fall into their ambushment, but turn about, and go the contrary way; return in the way, or towards the parts from whence ye came: this they are bid to do tomorrow, but did not till some time after; for, contrary to the command of God, they went up the mount, where they were defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites, after which they stayed in Kadesh some days, Deu 1:44, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea; or in the way towards it; and so they would be in the way to Egypt, where the people were desirous of returning again; but as they were always a rebellious and disobedient people, and acted contrary to God, so in this case; for when he bid them go back towards the Red sea again, then they were for going forward, and entering into the land of Canaan, Num 14:40; though when he bid them go up, and possess it, then they were for returning to Egypt, Num 14:4. (z) "sedet", Drusius, Piscator.
Numbers 14:24
God’s Forgiveness and Judgment
23not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it.24But 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Caleb
By Welcome Detweiler1.3K10:17EXO 23:30NUM 14:24DEU 11:22JOS 14:8PSA 55:22MAT 6:331JN 5:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Caleb from the Bible who is commended for his wholehearted devotion to God. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own commitment to following the Lord and emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in the Christian life. Caleb's strength and confidence in God's promises are highlighted, particularly on his 85th birthday. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the reward Caleb received for his faithfulness and a call for Christians to live wholeheartedly for Jesus.
The Spirit of Caleb
By Stephen Kaung9771:00:31NUM 13:30NUM 14:6NUM 14:24JOS 14:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of possessing what God has promised to us. He encourages both young and old believers to enter into and possess the blessings and promises of God. The speaker highlights the need for faithfulness and obedience in order to inherit the promises of God. He also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to possess what God has given. The sermon references the story of Caleb and the Israelites spying on the land, as well as Galatians 4:4, which speaks about the spirit of God's son within believers.
Give Me This Mountain
By Gareth Evans94836:30FaithNUM 14:24DEU 1:36JOS 14:9PSA 95:2PSA 103:5MAT 6:33GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible. Caleb, at the age of 85, declares that he feels as strong as he did 40 years ago and believes he can still fight giants. The speaker emphasizes the idea that when we serve God and experience His anointing, our youth is renewed like the eagles. The sermon also mentions the story of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, where ten of them gave negative reports due to fear of the giants in the land. The speaker encourages listeners to be different from the world and live a Christ-like lifestyle.
25. Fighting Battles for the Next Generation
By Denny Kenaston91045:28NUM 14:6NUM 14:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting battles for the next generation, drawing inspiration from the story of Caleb in Numbers. It highlights the need for first and second-generation Christians to rise up in faith, fight spiritual battles, and believe in God's promises for a prosperous Christian life that their children can inherit. The message encourages perseverance, humility, prayer, faith, and diligence in pursuing a godly legacy for future generations.
Climbing Mountains
By Don Courville74827:12FaithGEN 13:14NUM 13:30NUM 14:24MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible and his determination to conquer the mountain that God had promised him. The preacher highlights six reasons why Caleb did not fail in his mission. These reasons include Caleb's dependence on God rather than human wisdom, his lack of fear or discouragement in the face of giants, and his unwavering focus on the Lord. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of not doubting God's love and encourages believers to have a vision and pursue it with faith.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 468
By Don Courville32628:26Radio ShowNUM 13:30NUM 14:14NUM 14:24MAT 6:332TI 1:7HEB 11:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of conquering mountains in our lives. He mentions that God will give us mountains, which represent obstacles or challenges, but we have to take them by faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and believing in God's promises. He also mentions the story of Caleb in the Bible, who had a different spirit and fully followed God, and as a result, he was able to possess the land. The speaker encourages the audience to live in faith and not in fear, as faith is contagious and can lead to victory in our lives.
Caleb
By David Wilkerson0FaithfulnessLegacy of FaithNUM 14:24JOS 14:11PSA 92:14ROM 12:11CO 15:582TI 4:7HEB 12:1David Wilkerson preaches about Caleb, a model of unwavering faith and commitment to God, who exemplified the importance of following the Lord wholeheartedly throughout his life. At 85, Caleb's strength and determination to claim Hebron, a place of spiritual significance, demonstrate that true faith requires continuous growth and perseverance, even in old age. Unlike Solomon, who faltered, Caleb remained steadfast, inspiring his family to grow stronger in their faith amidst a world that often turns away from God. The sermon emphasizes that our spiritual journey should be marked by an ever-increasing faith and a deep association with the community of believers. Ultimately, Caleb's legacy is a call to live a life fully dedicated to God, influencing future generations.
Have Thou Authority Over Ten Cities
By A.B. Simpson0Standing Alone for GodFaithfulnessNUM 14:24JOS 14:10MAT 5:10ROM 5:31CO 15:58PHP 3:142TI 4:7HEB 11:61PE 4:12REV 2:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true success in our Christian walk is measured by our faithfulness rather than outward achievements. He draws parallels between the faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua, who stood firm in their beliefs despite opposition, and the challenges believers face today in trusting God for victory over sin. Simpson encourages believers to remain steadfast, even when standing alone, as this fidelity is what God honors and uses for His purposes. He reminds us that suffering reproach for our faith is a mark of honor and a testament to our commitment to God. Ultimately, it is through this unwavering faith that we can expect to receive our full inheritance in Christ.
A Different Spirit
By Gary Wilkerson0NUM 13:1NUM 14:24NUM 14:30ISA 30:21ZEC 4:61CO 3:1EPH 5:18COL 3:2Gary Wilkerson preaches on the importance of having a 'different spirit' like Joshua and Caleb, contrasting it with the carnal life of the other spies in Numbers 13. He emphasizes that being of a different spirit means consecrating oneself to holiness, being inclined toward continual trust in God, and having a deep sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Wilkerson highlights the examples of Ben, who drifted into spiritual compromise, and Jay, who stood out as a man of a different spirit due to his intense pursuit of God and willingness to obey His desires.
On Following the Lord Fully
By Thomas Reade0NUM 14:241SA 12:24MAT 10:32JHN 6:68EPH 2:8PHP 3:81TI 6:12HEB 12:1JAS 4:8REV 21:7Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of following the Lord fully, emphasizing the necessity of humility, faith, and obedience in the journey to heaven. Drawing inspiration from characters like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Job, David, and Daniel, he highlights the example of Caleb, who was commended for having 'followed the Lord fully' amidst a time of great unbelief. Reade stresses the need for a complete surrender to God, renouncing self-dependence, sin, worldly desires, and embracing the righteousness and will of God wholeheartedly.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But my servant Caleb, etc. - Caleb had another spirit - not only a bold, generous, courageous, noble, and heroic spirit; but the Spirit and influence of the God of heaven thus raised him above human inquietudes and earthly fears, therefore be followed God fully; וימלא אחרי vaimalle acharai, literally, he filled after me: God showed him the way he was to take, and the line of conduct he was to pursue, and he filled up this line, and in all things followed the will of his Maker. He therefore shall see the promised land, and his seed shall possess it. A dastardly spirit in the things of God is a heavy curse. How many are retarded in their course, and fall short of the blessings of the Gospel, through magnifying the number and strength of their adversaries, their own weakness and the difficulties of the way, with which we may connect their distrust of the power, faithfulness, and goodness of God! And how many are prevented from receiving the higher degrees of salvation by foolishly attributing insurmountable power, either to their inward corruptions or outward enemies! Only such men as Joshua and Caleb, who take God at his word, and who know that against his wisdom no cunning can stand, and against his might no strength can prevail, are likely to follow God fully, and receive the heights, lengths, breadths, and depths of the salvation of God.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
But because there was another spirit in Caleb, - i.e., not the unbelieving, despairing, yet proud and rebellious spirit of the great mass of the people, but the spirit of obedience and believing trust, so that "he followed Jehovah fully" (lit., "fulfilled to walk behind Jehovah"), followed Him with unwavering fidelity, - God would bring him into the land into which he had gone, and his seed should possess it. (אחרי מלּא here, and at Num 32:11-12; Deu 1:36; Jos 14:8-9; Kg1 11:6, is a constructio praegnans for אחרי ללכת מלּא; cf. Ch2 34:31.) According to the context, the reference is not to Hebron particularly, but to Canaan generally, which God had sworn unto the fathers (Num 14:23, and Deu 1:36, comp. with Deu 1:35); although, when the land was divided, Caleb received Hebron for his possession, because, according to his own statement in Jos 14:6., Moses had sworn that he would give it to him. But this is not mentioned here; just as Joshua also is not mentioned in this place, as he is at Num 14:30 and Num 14:38, but Caleb only, who opposed the exaggerated accounts of the other spies at the very first, and endeavoured to quiet the excitement of the people by declaring that they were well able to overcome the Canaanites (Num 13:30). This first revelation of God to Moses is restricted to the main fact; the particulars are given afterwards in the sentence of God, as intended for communication to the people (Num 14:26-38).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
my servant Caleb--Joshua was also excepted, but he is not named because he was no longer in the ranks of the people, being a constant attendant on Moses. because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully--Under the influence of God's Spirit, Caleb was a man of bold, generous, heroic courage, above worldly anxieties and fears.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley,.... By the Canaanites are meant the Amorites, as Aben Ezra, which were a principal people of the land of Canaan, and which may be confirmed by Deu 1:19; this may seem contrary to what is said Num 13:29; where they are said to dwell in the mountain; but it may be reconciled by observing, that indeed their proper settled habitation was in the mountain; but now they went down from thence, and "sat" (z) in the valley, as it may be rendered, in ambush, there lying in wait for the children of Israel, as in Psa 10:8; and so Aben Ezra interprets it of their sitting there, to lie in wait for them: and now, though these people had so sadly provoked the Lord, yet such was his goodness to them, as to warn them of the design of their enemies, and of the danger by them, to provide for their safety, by giving them the following instruction: tomorrow turn you; do not go forward, lest ye fall into their ambushment, but turn about, and go the contrary way; return in the way, or towards the parts from whence ye came: this they are bid to do tomorrow, but did not till some time after; for, contrary to the command of God, they went up the mount, where they were defeated by the Amalekites and Canaanites, after which they stayed in Kadesh some days, Deu 1:44, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea; or in the way towards it; and so they would be in the way to Egypt, where the people were desirous of returning again; but as they were always a rebellious and disobedient people, and acted contrary to God, so in this case; for when he bid them go back towards the Red sea again, then they were for going forward, and entering into the land of Canaan, Num 14:40; though when he bid them go up, and possess it, then they were for returning to Egypt, Num 14:4. (z) "sedet", Drusius, Piscator.