Joshua and Caleb: When the Giants Look Bigger Than God
Thought the past several Fridays, we’ve been learning to look for signs of Jesus in the Old Testament. The story of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13-14) is one of the clearest places where the Old Testament points to Christ.
Today, we’ll revisit the story of Joshua and Caleb as they explored the Promised Land with the spies. Then, we’ll look at how this narrative points to the gospel.
Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in deeper ways.
Let’s start with a quick recap of the story of Joshua and Caleb.
Joshua and Caleb: The Spies Scout the Promised Land
After escaping from Egypt, God’s people had been camped at the foot of Mount Sinai for about a year. They had received the 10 Commandments, built a tabernacle where they worshiped God, and ordained priests. It was time to step into the promise and see God’s plan fulfilled.
The people were on the brink of the Promised Land, a walk that would take just 11 days.
Before setting out, they sent 12 spies to explore the land.
When the spies returned, they shared a mixed report. It was an abundant land, a fertile land for agriculture. However, there were giants living in the land. The giants lived within formidable and intimidating fortresses.
Only two spies returned with a favorable report: Joshua and Caleb.
These two men declared that there were obstacles, but the people should press on to conquer the land because God had promised it.
“We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will certainly prevail over it,” Caleb declared (Numbers 13:30, NASB).
Sadly, the majority of the people believed the fearful reports of the 10 spies, neglecting Joshua and Caleb’s encouragement. It was a devastating decision. A journey that should have taken 11 days took 40 years.
An entire generation that could have stepped into God’s promise never set foot in the land because of their unbelief.
Symbolism in the Story of Joshua and Caleb
This story offers lessons for us today as well. When all we can see are the obstacles and problems, we take our eyes off God and his promises. In the process, we run the risk of forfeiting God’s blessings.
This narrative also points to the gospel of Christ. Let’s look at the symbolism within the story of Joshua and Caleb.
The Promised Land: Rest in Christ
God’s people longed to stop wandering in the wilderness and find rest, settling into their new home in the Promised Land of Canaan.
Similarly, all humanity groans with a longing that can only be fulfilled in Christ. We were all created for a relationship with God through Jesus. Until we embrace that relationship by receiving Jesus as the Savior and Lord of our lives, we will not experience true rest.
When we find rest in Jesus, we receive his eternal inheritance, reconciliation with God, and new life.
The Giants: Misaligned Focus
The 10 spies who gave a fearful report were focused on the problems ahead and not on the power of God. Meanwhile, Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to step forward and take the land. Joshua and Caleb were focused on God, trusting in his power. The other spies were focused on the obstacles.
In a similar way, many people resist the gospel because the obstacles seem insurmountable. Sin feels unconquerable. Brokenness feels irreversible. It’s easy to be blinded by the obstacles.
Meanwhile, Jesus calls us to fix our eyes on him. He defeats what we cannot overcome in our human strength and makes a way for us to rise above sin, shame, and brokenness. However, this only happens when our eyes are fixed on him.
Joshua and Caleb: Voices of Truth
Joshua and Caleb alone believed God’s promise to give them the land. These men didn’t deny the danger ahead of them; rather, they saw the danger through the lens of God’s presence.
Their faith foreshadowed Jesus, who consistently calls people to trust God even when circumstances are uncertain.
Joshua and Caleb didn’t have false optimism; they had confidence in God’s character.
Joshua: Leads the People to the Inheritance
Joshua’s Hebrew name is Yehoshua, meaning, “The Lord saves.”
When translated into Greek, the name becomes “Jesus.”
This is not a coincidence. Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. In a similar way, Jesus leads people into salvation in a way that the Law cannot achieve.
Through Moses, the Law revealed sin but could not save.
Through Joshua, rest came as the promise was fulfilled.
In Christ, we find eternal rest through salvation by his blood.
Caleb: Devoted Spirit
Caleb was described as having a “different spirit” and following God fully.
He represents the kind of trust that receives promise rather than shrinking back in fear. In this way, Caleb models the response Jesus calls for: wholehearted devotion and reliance on God.
The Cluster of Grapes: A Foretaste of God’s Kingdom
The spies found enormous clusters of grapes and carried them back to camp. The grapes were tangible proof that the land was good.
This parallels the abundant life Jesus promises for his followers: peace that surpasses understanding; unshakeable joy; rest; and transformed lives.
Until God’s kingdom comes in full, we will enjoy foretastes through salvation in Christ. One day, we will experience his kingdom in full.
The People’s Rejection of Joshua and Caleb’s Report: Humanity Rejects Salvation
After the spies gave their reports, the people panicked. They even complained and wanted to return to Egypt.
Slavery seemed safer than freedom.
This echoes humanity’s response to Christ. Many people prefer familiar bondage to trusting an unknown Savior.
Wandering in the Wilderness: Wandering in Unbelief
Because they chose not to step into the risk of the promise, the people wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
In a similar way, many people wander in the wilderness of unbelief because they refuse to embrace the risk of receiving Jesus.
Just as the Promised Land was always attainable, healing and redemption in Christ remains available to all who will humble themselves and receive him.
We are not asked to conquer the giants of life alone. We are invited to follow the One whose very name means salvation.
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We are not asked to conquer the giants of life alone. We are invited to follow the One whose very name means salvation. #faith #trust Share on XCalling All Parents and Grandparents!
As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love. You can find all three books here or read more below.
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Mother-Daughter Devotionals by a Mom and Daughter
Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith is written for girls ages 7-12. It includes 60 devotions with Scripture, conversation starters, and a shared journaling section for moms and daughters after each devotion. I wrote this book with the help of our daughter, Bekah, when she was eleven. Find this one-of-a-kind shared devotional here.
Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls is for teenage girls ages 13-20. It includes 50 devotions, each with a shared journaling section to help moms and daughters connect through writing. This is a great book for moms who want to communicate about awkward topics—like dating, sexuality, peer pressure, and more—but don’t know where to start. Bekah and I will help you right here.
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