Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
CALEB
One of the spies of Moses sent out to make reconnaissance in Canaan before an invasion campaign that Yahweh had urged (Numbers 13:6). Despite the pessimistic estimate of some of the spies, Caleb assured Moses that the Israelites were well able to conquer Canaan. "We shall gobble them up," Caleb promised (Numbers 14:9). The assembled community quailed at the prospect, but Caleb and Joshua persisted in urging an attack (Numbers 14:1-3). Yahweh was embittered by the lack of confidence that this "perverse community" showed in him, and warned Moses of a coming catastrophe because of this cowardice (Numbers 14:27-35). Of all the leaders, only Caleb and Joshua survived (Numbers 14:38). "It is these," Yahweh promised, "I shall bring in to know the land you have disdained." Faithful to that promise, Yahweh rewarded them handsomely with rich inheritances of land in Canaan (Joshua 15:13-20).
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
