Caleb Facts for 3-8 Year Olds

Categories: Joshua, Moses

• Caleb is from the tribe of Judah.
• His father might have been a Gentile.
• Traditionally, scholars think Caleb’s name means “dog.”
• It’s a compound word that could mean “wholehearted.”
• God uses the term, “wholehearted,” to show him respect.
• The first mention of Caleb occurs in Numbers 13.
• He is one of 12 leaders sent by Moses to spy out the land of Canaan.
• Caleb is forty years old.
• At the end of forty days, the leaders come back and say that the people are strong and the towns are fortified.
• Caleb is ready to go back and take the land.
• The other leaders disagree.
• The people weep all night.
• In the morning, they rebel against Moses and Aaron.
• Caleb and Joshua are very upset and tear their clothes.
• They believe that the Lord will help them take the land.
• They beg the people not to turn against the Lord.
• The people threaten to stone them.
• The Lord says that all those people will not enter the Promised Land.
• Caleb will be the exception. He “has a different spirit and has followed me wholeheartedly.”
• Caleb will enter the land, and his descendants shall possess it.
• When the time comes, Caleb fights alongside Joshua for five years as they settle in Canaan.
• When it’s done, he reminds Joshua of the promises made to him.
• Caleb is now eighty-five years old and still very strong.
• Joshua blesses him and gives him the hill country of Hebron.
• Caleb takes the land.
• War is over.
• Caleb has several wives and many sons.
• There is no information about his death.