Definition: And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Numbers 13:30. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising story about faith and courage. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: When the Israelites were camped outside the borders of Canaan (the land they were being told to leave), Caleb, a leader among the Israelite men, noticed that the enemy army was much larger than expected. They were overwhelming the Israelites. Caleb then asked God, “Lord, will you let us go up into the hills and possess it?” He wasn't asking for a huge battle; he was asking for permission to go up to the hills – to take possession of them. What happened next? The enemy army, believing they were winning, started to fight fiercely. But Caleb, with his men, didn’t run away. They stayed their course and, through God's help, managed to defeat the enemy. They even won a significant number of battles. What does this verse mean? This verse is a powerful message about: Faith: Caleb believed in God's plan, even when things looked bleak. He wasn’t just hoping for victory; he was actively asking for it. Courage: He didn't hesitate to take the initiative and lead his men forward. It shows bravery in the face of adversity. Confidence: He trusted that God would help them overcome the challenge. It’s a bit of a twist! Traditionally, the Bible doesn’t really explain why Caleb was so confident. However, this verse suggests that God's favor and His power are present even when we feel like giving up. In short, it’s about believing in God and taking action to overcome challenges, even when things seem impossible. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story? Discuss its significance in the Bible?