1355-1245 BCE
Based on Numbers 13-14
The sound of trumpets sounded. Once, twice. Three times. The eerie sound echoed and re-echoed throughout the valley. A gathering was being called.
Joshua looked up from the papyrus he was busy transcribing. This was the call. He knew what it meant. He had been called.
He, Joshua, the son of Nun, had been called to spy on the Canaanites to test out this land the Lord has given into the children of Israel’s hands.
He did not know what the outcome might be, but he was certain that if the Lord had promised, it would be possible.
The children of Israel had found a resting place in the wilderness of Paran, just on the border of the promised Land. This land had been promised
to His people so many years before by the word of Abraham, their forefather but the people were still waiting to possess it.
He knew that if God was calling for a group of spies to be sent out into Canaan, then the time must have come for them to leave their wandering and settle
in a good land.
How did he fit in? He really had never thought of this before, until Moses had sent a written note stating that He had been chosen to be one of the twelve spies.
He was taken aback at first, but knew that if the Lord had called he must go.
That is why he had taken to transcribing some writing from his forefathers. To inscribe in his heart the importance of God’s calling on one’s life.
Abraham had been called and the nation of Israel had been the result of his obedience. His obedience would fulfill God’s intent for Israel. To prosper and live
in the land He had chosen for them.
Joshua had always been the sensible one. The one that trusted implicitly to God’s will and meaning in the lives of him and his people.
“Joshua, it’s time”. Caleb had come around the corner of Joshua’s tent. The slap of reassurance to his shoulder stirred Joshua out of his thoughts of Israel and how he fit into God’s plan for it.
“You’re right, friend. May Jehovah be praised I am not alone in this journey the Lord has laid for us.”
Caleb only smiled and merely pointed. The people were hurrying by, anticipating the departure of the chosen spies and the blessing Moses would give.
“It is a good thing, what the Lord has planned. We must gird ourselves with courage. Our entry into the promised land is near.”
The two friends, slinging their bags over their shoulders, hurried towards the gathering crowd.
Caleb pushed his way through the crowd, Joshua following close behind.
10 men were lining up in the common area. Caleb and Joshua took their place, making the 12 chosen.
“Children of Israel, Hear me now. the Word of the Lord came to me and said,’ Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. I have done as the Lord has commanded. See them now.
A quiet murmur, a mixture of approval and surprise rippled through the crowd.
Turning to the men who stood facing him, Moses’ eyes seemed to pierce right through them. However, his face changed to a peaceful smile of approval.
“My sons, the Lord has given you this time to serve and HIM. Go southward and up into the mountain.
See the land, what it is, and the people that dwell in that land, whether they be strong or weak, few or many.
And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; Seek out the cities and see if they that they dwell in, whether they dwell in tents, or in strong holds - what it is.
And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not.
“There will be danger.” Moses continued.
Joshua glanced up from his post by Moses. He saw a look of fear pass over Sethur’s face a few paces down. The son of Michael, Sethur was from a neighbor tribe. He had been a friend of Caleb and Joshua in their childhood. Now a man, Sethur stood tall and strong but Joshua knew his conviction wavered at times. In the past few years, Sethur seemed to be easily persuaded out of conviction and fell into bad company.
“But be of good courage,” Moses continued. “Bring of the fruit of the land. Choose to honour Jehovah and serve him. May the almighty give you strength to go and return from whither you are sent.”
Moses dismissed the crowd and then placing a hand on each man’s head in a final blessing sent them on their way. The midday sun shone down brightly as Caleb and Joshua took the route that Jehovah had indicated through Moses. The next few days would serve to change the course of Israel’s History.
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Trumpets sounded again through the valley, echoing through the still morning. It had been forty days since the spies had been sent out. No word had been yet heard.
The people hurried to the meeting place. Anxious faces spoke of wondering hearts. Would the spies have a good report?
Twelve figures could be seen walking through the fog. As they drew near, the people could see two of them carrying a large cluster of grapes that weighed them down.
The others had fruit and all manner of bounty overflowing from their bags slung over their shoulders.
A cheer went up.
Moses signaled silence.
Shaphat the designated leader drew near and spoke to the people. “We came to the land where you sent us and it surely does flow with milk and honey.”
Waving to the grape cluster Shaphat proudly shouted, “This is the fruit of it”.
Another cheer rang out.
Sethur broke out, “But, the people are strong who are in this land. The cities are walled and very large.” He went on to describe the peoples of the land, their names, and their might.
Joshua who had been quietly standing nearby, felt his heart drop. He had pleaded with Jehovah - that the fellow spies would bring a good report. Through-out the trip there had been many good reports.
But when the dangers had been discovered, a good portion of them had become disheartened and he had hoped they would realize the Lord’s might and forget the dangers that the future held.
A wail came up from the midst of the people.
Caleb stepped forward. “Peace, people of Israel. We are well able to overcome this land. Let us go up at once, and possess it. With Jehovah, all is possible”.
Joshua thanked the Most High that out of the twelve - at least one was brave enough to bring the good report.
There was a clamour of voices. “We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than us” said Shaphat.
Then the rest of the men came forward telling their tales of a land that would destroy their nation, of giants, and unfavourable conditions.
A weeping noise rippled and swelled through the crowd, raising in pitch as the people moaned and wailed. It was of no avail. They would never possess the land Jehovah had promised.
Joshua stepped forward to stand by his friend Caleb who still stood in the midst. “Caleb is true in his words. I saw the land with my eyes. Yes, there are danger, but Jehovah is faithful. Our Lord will take us through. Have faith, people of Israel. We can take the land of milk and honey.”
Angry voices rose from the clamour. A hissing noise that spread throughout the crowd amongst the men. “Stone them.” started the chant. “Stone.Stone.Stone.” “They speak evil” said one, “Why should they live for their foolish talk?”
Joshua knew that it was to no avail. He slipped out of the camp and headed to his quiet spot in the nearby grove. He would pray. Caleb would surely do the same. The people needed this most tonight.
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Joshua, who stood strong in the midst of discouragement knew where his hope was found. He knew where He could place his trust and relied on Jehovah for his strength and courage.
Joshua went on to lead the children of Israel into the promised land as their leader. The other spies died in the forty years of wandering that the people were resigned to after the disappointment and rebellion to God’s master plan.
Caleb also lived to tread on the ground of Canaan-land, because of his faithfulness to God’s call.
Because of Joshua & Caleb’s courage in the face of adversity they were a blessing to those around them and had great roles in bringing about God’s plans.
May we also have this courage!
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