Deuteronomy 1:36 - except Caleb the son of Jephunneh. He shall see it. I will give the land that he has trodden on to him, and to his children, because he has wholly followed Yahweh.”

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 1:36

What does "Deuteronomy 1:36" mean?


This verse, Deuteronomy 1:36, refers to Caleb, one of the two faithful spies (the other being Joshua) who were sent to scout out the land of Canaan. Let's break down the meaning:

"Except Caleb the son of Jephunneh." This singles out Caleb as an exception to the general punishment being described in the surrounding verses. The people of Israel, due to their lack of faith and their complaining after hearing the spies' report, were condemned to wander in the wilderness until that generation died out. Caleb is being excluded from this judgment.

"He shall see it." This is a promise that Caleb will be allowed to enter and see the Promised Land, Canaan. This is in stark contrast to the rest of his generation, who will not be permitted to enter.

"I will give the land that he has trodden on to him, and to his children," This is a specific promise of inheritance. God pledges to give Caleb and his descendants the portion of land that Caleb had previously explored and walked upon during his spying mission.

"because he has wholly followed Yahweh." This explains why Caleb is receiving this special favor and blessing. His obedience, faith, and unwavering commitment to God ("wholly followed Yahweh") set him apart from the rest of the Israelites, who lacked faith and rebelled. Caleb's faithfulness is the reason for God's promise and reward.

In summary:

The verse highlights Caleb's exceptional faithfulness to God. Because of his unwavering loyalty and trust in God, he is promised:

1. Entry into the Promised Land: He will personally see and enter Canaan, unlike his generation.
2. Inheritance of Land: His descendants will inherit the specific land he had explored, marking it as his own.

The verse serves as a powerful example of the rewards of faith and obedience. It also emphasizes God's justice and faithfulness: those who trust in Him will be blessed, even when others fall away. The concept of "wholly following Yahweh" is a significant theme throughout the Old Testament and serves as a model for faithful living.