Reflecting on Caleb’s words, notice how all of his actions are grounded in God’s promises. He really believes that God will do what he said. This is made clear in the language he uses in Joshua 14:6, Joshua 14:9, and Joshua 14:12. Caleb knows that God has promised and he acts in the light of those promises—very simple, very straightforward.

The hill country that he is hoping to inhabit includes the city of Hebron, formerly known as Kiriath-arba. This was a city built by Arba the Anakite, basically a city inhabited by big, strong men. The same kind of men who scared the other spies forty years ago when they brought back their report saying, we are like grasshoppers compared to them. In wanting this particular city it is almost as if Caleb wants to emphasise that God’s promises are trustworthy. Back in Numbers 13:1–33, where all the other spies frightened God’s people with tales of giants and fortified cities, Caleb was the one who said, Let us go for with the help of the Lord we will conquer. The giants are nothing if God fights with us.

Caleb’s words have been proven true in the battles fought over the past few years, and now once again he wants to demonstrate that God is much greater than any giant. With the Lord’s help I will take Hebron, I will drive them out just as the Lord said.