Sabbath School Lesson for November 14-21, 2025
Introduction of Lesson 8, Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb
Memory Text: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 ESV
As fallen human beings, we naturally are drawn to do the things we shouldn’t do, things that are not best for us or those around us. It’s easy then to see why children need good examples and role models during their growing-up years. But that need doesn’t end when we reach adulthood. We all need worthy people we can follow, in all stages of life.
The author of Hebrews suggests that we follow strong, religious leaders, and adopt their way of life for ourselves. Caleb and Joshua were such leaders of faith for the Israelites. Both well into their seventies and eighties by the time they entered Canaan, they continued to be outstanding, spiritual guides for their countrymen, and even for all of us down through the ages who have observed and appreciated their humble, faithful life choices.
- Sunday: Faithfulness
- Monday: Give Me This Hill Country
- Tuesday: The Power of Example
- Wednesday: Humble Hero
- Thursday: Changed by Contemplation
Sunday: Faithfulness
The Hebrew word for “Caleb” is “keleb”, or dog, a word that is always used in a negative sense in the Old Testament, even though we today admire a dog’s faithfulness to its master.
Caleb’s father was Jephunneh, who was a Kenizzite (Joshua 14:14). This is interesting because the Kenizzites belonged to one of the pagan tribes Abram was told would be driven out of Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21). Evidently, Jephunneh had been been integrated into the tribe of Judah, most likely over generations. Two other examples of this type of recognized integration were Ruth the Moabitess and Rahab of Jericho.
Caleb’s original, outspoken report on the land “flowing with milk and honey” was not only filled with faith, but with courage. The congregation had been so angry with Joshua and Caleb that the two were almost stoned to death (Numbers 14:10). But, because of this early act of courageous faith by two of the twelve spies, we only remember the names of Joshua and Caleb. The names of the other ten have been all but forgotten by God’s people (Numbers 13:4-15).
Verses and questions:
Numbers 13:6, 30-32, Joshua 14:6-10
- Caleb was forty years old when he was a spy under Moses, then wandered in the wilderness for forty years. How was it that he was eighty-five when given his inheritance? What happened during those additional five years?
Monday: Give Me This Hill Country
Two verses tell us that Caleb “wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 14:9, 14). Because of the “different spirit” Caleb possessed, Moses promised him an inheritance when they would finally occupy Canaan (Numbers 14:24).
At the beginning of the land divisions in Canaan, Caleb boldly came before Joshua, God’s chosen leader to replace Moses, and reminded him of this promise. It should come to no surprise that he chose Hebron, a hill country that had giants of Anakim residing there (Joshua 14:12). One of the most well-known Anakites was, of course, 9.5 ft. (2.9 meters)-tall Goliath, whom David later bravely killed.
At eighty-five years old, Caleb still had the faith to believe that God had the power to conquer and possess such a difficult area of Canaan. His thoughtful choice would surely serve as a model for the other tribes, when they faced similar tough challenges.
Verses and questions:
Joshua 14:6-14
- What caused Caleb to choose the hilly countryside of Hebron, obviously not the most fertile land he could have chosen?
- What do these verses tell us about Caleb’s personality and degree of faith?
Luke 6:45
- How important are the words we speak?
Tuesday: The Power of Example
We see much of the same boldness and faithfulness of Caleb in at least two of his relatives. His nephew Othniel took up the challenge to defeat one of the city-tribes, after Caleb had rousted out three others. In exchange for this effort, Caleb had promised his daughter Achsah in marriage.
Achsah must have been an outspoken lady as well. She not only procured land from her father with this exchange, but she persuaded him to give her and Othniel springs of water to go with it.
Later we read in Judges 3:7-11 that Othniel became a judge and deliverer of Israel. After many Israelites had fallen into idolatry with their neighbors, Othniel defeated their pagan enemies, allowing God’s people to have forty years of freedom to serve God in peace.
We, too, can claim the promises of God by persistently asking for them. We are reminded of the widow in one of Jesus’ parables, who was granted her request when she repeatedly asked a judge for justice against her enemy (Luke 18:1-5).
Verses and questions:
Joshua 15:16-19
- How had Caleb’s nephew and daughter followed Caleb’s example of faithful courage?
Judges 3:7-11
- How did Othniel later show himself like his uncle Caleb?
- Why is it good to remember that we influence, not just our own children, but the children of others as well?
- Whose children might you be an influence in your life?
Wednesday: Humble Hero
Caleb was given one of the first pieces of land when the divisions began. He used his choice to show the Israelites that they could conquer those giants they had been told earlier to fear. Joshua’s later choice of land to inherit, given at the end of their land divisions, showed his humility. He also chose land that would be difficult to rebuild, but was near Shiloh, the place where God’s sanctuary had been placed.
The town Joshua chose to settle in was Timnath-serah, a name that implied something leftover. Yes, Joshua showed humility in his choice. He would be happy to take the leftovers in the beautiful land of Canaan. And what no doubt made this choice most attractive to him was its closeness to Shiloh, where God’s sanctuary had found its home.
We could all use more of Joshua’s unselfish attitude by choosing a simple life that may have some hardships, but, at the same time, will keep us close to God.
Verses and questions:
Joshua 19:49-51 and Psalm 27:4
- What did Joshua’s choice of land show us about his character and desires?
- What advantages are there for us when we choose to be close to God and our church community?
Thursday: Changed by Contemplation
Many verses in the New Testament center around the transformation we can all experience when we focus on serving God with all our heart–like the two Old Testament faith heroes, Caleb and Joshua.
Jesus’ exemplary life of humble, unselfish service causes us to want to be more like Him. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can reach that goal of spiritual transformation. God works to change us from the inside out. Nothing about us is the same when we fully believe and call on Him to come into our lives.
Although there are competing forces in the world that try to pull us away from God, He will continue to arm us with the spiritual weapons needed to defeat our enemies. We will be like Joshua and Caleb, who fought their pagan neighbors and won many victories for God.
Verses and questions:
Hebrews 12:1, 2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18
- What happens when we “look to Jesus”?
- How does becoming more like Jesus increase our capacity to know who Him more?
Romans 12:1, 2
- What are the competing forces trying to win your allegiance?
- How can we defeat evil influences in our lives?
Friday: Final Thoughts
The chapter known as the “faith chapter”, Hebrews 11, contains the names of many giants of faith. Although Joshua and Caleb aren’t mentioned by name, we recognize them in verse 34. This verse describes those who “…out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens [foreign armies]”. This description surely defines the lifework of Caleb and Joshua, who needed enormous faith to accomplish their given mission, the conquest and occupation of Canaan.
Ellen G. White recognized faith as the source of their courage. “It was Caleb’s faith in God that gave him courage, that kept him from the fear of man [even giants!], and enabled him to stand boldly and unflinchingly in the defense of the right. Through reliance on the same power, the mighty General of the armies of heaven, every true soldier of the cross may receive strength and courage to overcome the obstacles that seem insurmountable.” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, May 30, 1912.
We, too then, can become giants of faith and inspire others to glorify God, when we commit ourselves to following our worthy Leader, no matter where and no matter the cost. God deserves our undying love and obedience. Let’s all imitate these Old and New Testament examples of faith, and thus lead others closer to God, closer to our heavenly Canaan.
Next Week: Heirs of Promises, Prisoners of Hope
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