Observations and Interpretations:
(1) v.1-5 Double portions were given not to the first born son, Reuben, but to Joseph's descendants, because Reuben committed sexual immorality with his father's concubine (Gen 35:22)
(BKC) Centuries before the land was divided Jacob, when dying, had uttered prophecies regarding his sons. His prophecy about his firstborn Reuben was foreboding (cf. Gen. 49:3–4; 35:22). Though Reuben was the firstborn and entitled to a double portion (Deut. 21:17), neither he nor his tribe received it. Now after more than four centuries the punishment for Reuben’s sinful deed was passed on to his descendants; the right of the firstborn passed over to his brother Joseph who received two portions, one for Ephraim and the other for Manasseh (Gen. 48:12–20).
(2) Only 2 old men survived after 40 years of wandering and they were Caleb and Joshua. All of the rest were judged because of the 10 spies events (Num 14:30-34). Three times Caleb was described as "remained loyal to the LORD my God" v.8, 9, 14.
"Remaining loyal" also means, "satisfy appetite". In what sense did he satisfy his appetite? Caleb knew that what God had promised Israel would be enough for them to conquer their enemies v.18, while other people were frightened by the Anakites and their large and fortified cities and decided to go back to Egypt v.12. Not only he believed that when he was 40, but also when he was now 85.
Application: Do we have our appetite satisfied? Or are we frightened and retrieve? God promised that He will never leave you alone (Hebrews 13:5). Will you be brave when you encounter disease, stress, and emotional turmoil?
Caleb walked by faith and not by sight all his life. He was not bothered by how strong his opponents were even when he was not in his old age. Can we still not be afraid when we are getting old?
Not only Caleb had faith, Joshua also had faith and therefore he asked God to empower Caleb and assigned him Hebron v.13. Will you allow an 85 year old man to fight in a war? Joshua did.
Comments