Caleb illustrates the truth that “through faith and patience [we] inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). Along with Joshua, Caleb was eager to claim his inheritance over forty years before, but the nation had rebelled in unbelief. Patiently, Caleb endured the trials of the wilderness; he knew that his future was secure (Num. 14:24). That unbelieving generation had no hope, for they died in the wilderness, but Caleb had a “living hope” because of his faith (1 Pet. 1:3ff.).
迦勒就是一位“凭信心和忍耐承受应许的人”（来6:12）。他同约书亚一样，早在四十年前就急切地想承受自己的产业，但以色列国却在不信中悖逆了耶和华。迦勒耐心地忍受在旷野的试验；他知道他的未来是稳固的（民14:24）。那不信的一代却没有希望，因为他们都死在旷野中，但迦勒因他的信心，有了“活泼的盼望” （彼前1:3）。
What an example for us to follow! Age did not hinder him, the disappointments of the past did not embitter him, and giants did not frighten him! At a time in life when others were looking for security and ease, Caleb was saying, “Give me this mountain!” (v. 12). His secret? “He wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (v. 14).
他是我们当效法的榜样！年纪不是阻碍，过往的挫折并没有让他心怀怨恨，而巨人也吓不着他！当别人在寻找安逸时，迦勒却说：“求你给我这山地！”（12节）。他的秘诀是什么？“他专心跟从耶和华以色列的神。”（14节）
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- Often we use the little Latin abbreviation eg. (exempli gratia), ‘for example’ to illustrate a point. Chapter 14 seems to be primarily an e.g. This chapter points to Caleb as an example of how Israel’s tribes ought to be extending the original conquest by cleaning out and nailing down their various tribal portions. Chapter 14 opens a section (14:1-19:51) dealing with the tribal allotments in the land of Canaan. It is interesting to note that this section opens and closes with the two faithful spies (see Num. 13–14) receiving their respective inheritances, Caleb in 14:6–15 and Joshua in 19:49–50. But chapters 14–17 also form a given block of material, for Caleb’s adventuresome faith in 14:6–15 deliberately contrasts with the hesitant caution of the Joseph tribes in 17:14–18. Notice the adverbs used to describe Caleb’s following heart: wholly, fully and wholeheartedly, depending what version of the Bible you are reading. Let’s pray that we follow Caleb’s example of following Christ wholly, fully and wholeheartedly.
我们时常使用“例如”一词来说明一点。第14章的重心就是要给予我们一个例子。这个篇章指向迦勒为例，说明以色列各支派当如何“清除”并巩固他们的分地，拓展已征服的江山。第14章（14:1-19:51）开启了各支派在迦南地所被分配之产业的叙述。有趣的是，这一段经文的开头和结尾提到的是那两个忠心的探子（见民13-14 ）各自领受的产业；迦勒为14:6-15而约书亚为19:49-50 。但第14-17章提供了强力的对比：迦勒在14:6-15显示了在信心中有的冒险精神，而17:14-18勾画的却是约瑟子孙的犹豫、保留。请注意形容迦勒顺服之心的用词：专心。让我们祈祷能效法迦勒的榜样，专心跟从基督。
- Yes, the Lord will reward our faithfulness. Let’s pray that we remain faithful and looking forward to receive the Lord’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master. (Mat 25:21).
是的，神会报赏我们的忠心。让我们祈祷，叫我们能持守忠诚，盼望得到主的赞赏：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人……进来享受你主人的快乐。”（太25:21）
