The Warrior: Caleb Page 5

  Caleb faced the old man he had saved. “Why not?” He looked around the circle. “I don’t see all that many jumping at the chance to go.”

  “You have two wives and sons.”

  “Not to mention the rabble who came with him!” another called out from the back.

  Caleb seethed, but forced himself to offer a wry smile. “Why not send the dog if he’s so eager to sniff out Canaan?” Some laughed at Caleb’s challenge. Others called out agreement. “What do you say? Will you send the Caleb?” A cry of agreement rose amidst the laughter. Caleb laughed loudest, determined. “Mock me if you will, but send me. If I die in Canaan, what have you lost?”

  “Nothing!”

  “Enough!” Zimri shouted. “Hear me.” The men grew quiet. “Moses has called for men who are leaders. He is no leader who mocks his brother.” Caleb felt the heat surge into his face and then realized Zimri’s scowl was directed at the man who had started the baiting. The offender lowered his gaze. Zimri looked at the others. “Who will represent Judah on this perilous errand? Step forward if you’re willing. Otherwise, be silent.”

  Emboldened by Zimri’s defense, Caleb stepped into the center of the circle. “Send me.”

  “You are not equipped.”

  “Did I not go into battle beside Joshua against the Amalekites?”

  “You are my friend, Caleb, but you are not . . .”

  “Full-blooded.” Another man finished what Zimri was too kind to voice.

  Caleb’s face flushed hot as he looked between the elders. “Did I not hear you just call me brother?”

  “We have an alliance with you, but it must be a Judean by birth that should go on our behalf.”

  That these words should come from Zimri hurt deeply, for he had thought him an ally. “And where is he?” Caleb swept his hand toward those standing silent.

  Zimri frowned. “You are not a young man, Caleb.”

  “I am forty years old, and I come with forty years of life experience.” He turned his back on Zimri and walked the circle, pausing to look into the face of each man he passed. “Do you want to go? Do you? Come on! Step forward if you’re willing to face the Anak.” No one held his gaze for long. “The man who goes into Canaan will not just be looking at the enemy we must fight, at their city walls and weapons, but at the land itself. Should Judah not have the best? All of you here were brick makers and shepherds. I was a farmer. I made my living off the land. To have good crops, you need good land. I offer myself as your servant. Send me.”

  Everyone started talking at once again.

  “Let God decide,” someone called out, and others joined in.

  Zimri and the elders commanded order again and called for a lottery. “One man from each family must bring a lot. We will let the Lord decide.”

  And there was an end to further discussion. Grim and despairing, Caleb had his name etched upon a bone and tossed it into the growing pile. The census had counted 74,600 men twenty years and older in the tribe of Judah. There would be thousands of lots cast before the choice was known. The lots were shaken and cast and the elimination process began. It would take the rest of the night, if not longer.

  Ephrathah tried to soothe him, but Caleb went off by himself and sat looking up at the pillar of fire swirling in the night sky. He spread his hands, palms up. He had no words to express his longing. I am as afraid as any man to go into Canaan and walk among the giants who live there. But I fear more not being counted among Your people. Do not allow them to set me aside. Please don’t reject me, Lord. Purify my blood. Make me a son of Israel!

  He covered his head. “I know I am not fully Hebrew, Lord. I know Esau’s blood runs in my veins. But even so, Lord . . .” He lifted his head, tears streaming down his cheeks. “You are my God. You and only You. There is no other.”

  He knew there were many who disliked him, who thought he was proud and ambitious, a thorn in their sides. Some wished he would turn around and go back to Egypt. They saw him as a growling, groveling dog on the edge of the camp. And didn’t he behave like one, barking constantly for what he wanted? A place among God’s people! He groaned. Who was he to think himself worthy to represent the tribe of Judah? Surely the Lord looked down and saw him for the cur he was. He hunched against the rock, too depressed to go back to camp.

  Dawn came and went. It was midday before he returned to his tent.

  Zimri was there in the shady entrance of Caleb’s tent, sipping a drink Ephrathah had just replenished.

  Caleb sat with him. “I’m sorry I put you in an awkward position, Zimri. I had no right to demand that I be chosen to represent Judah. I’m not worthy.”

  The old man opened his hand. Caleb’s lot lay on his palm.

  He took the lot and turned it over and over in his hand. “You removed it from the pile.”

  “I did.”

  Caleb felt as though he had been kicked in the gut. It was a moment before he could speak. “I thought being counted in the census at least gave me the right to take part in the lottery.”

  “You misunderstand me, Caleb.”

  “So it would seem.” Caleb looked out at the other tents clustered close. He did not want Zimri to see his deep hurt. Angry words rose, but he held them back. Rash speaking would cause a permanent rift between them, and Caleb had few friends among the sons of Judah as it was. “Who won the lottery?”

  “You are the only man I know who would see it as winning.”

  Caleb gave a bleak laugh. “Who is God sending?”

  “Who do you think?” The old man stared at him. After a moment, he smiled faintly. “It would seem among all the men of Judah, God has chosen you to represent us.”

  Caleb felt gooseflesh rise up and down his back and arms. First joy, then terror, filled him. He released his breath unevenly.

  Zimri laughed. “Wonders never cease, my friend. This is the first time I’ve seen you speechless.” He rose. “Report to Moses and he will give you further instructions. Whatever you need, Caleb, anything, you have only to ask. The men of Judah will give it.”

  When Caleb saw Joshua among the other spies, he pressed his way through the men gathered. “Ah, my young friend.” Caleb grinned. “Let an old man travel with you. Between us, we will have the impetuousness of youth and the cunning of age on our side.”

  Joshua laughed. “I wondered if Judah would send you.”

  They clasped hands. “God sent me.”

  “I would meet your friend, Joshua.”

  Caleb would know that voice if it had spoken to him in darkness. Heart hammering, he turned and bowed his head low to Moses. He had never been this close to God’s chosen prophet. Aaron, dressed in the garments of high priest, stood behind his brother, forgiven and restored by God.

  “Do not bow low before me.” Moses put his hand upon Caleb. “I am but a man.”

  Caleb straightened. “A man, yes, but God’s anointed prophet who speaks the Word of the Lord. You have pleaded for our lives when we deserved death. And God granted us mercy. May the Lord grant you long life and teach us obedience.”

  Joshua grasped his shoulder. “This is Caleb of the tribe of Judah.”

  “Ah, yes. I saw you fight alongside Joshua against the Amalekites.”

  Stunned that he had been noticed, Caleb received his blessing.

  Moses gathered the men. “The Lord told me to send out from the people men to explore the land of Canaan, which He is going to give to us. Go northward through the Negev into the hill country. See what the land is like and find out whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? Do their towns have walls or are they unprotected? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there many trees? Enter the land boldly, and bring back samples of the crops you see.”

  After praying for them and blessing them, Moses and Aaron left them alone to make their plans for departure.

  The men agreed to meet at dawn and leave together.

  Caleb, with ideas of
his own, returned to his tent to make preparations.

  When he arrived at the agreed meeting site the next morning, the others stared and spoke in derision. “You look like an Egyptian trader.”

  Caleb grinned. “Good.” Dressed in finery, he held the lead rope of three donkeys laden with trade goods donated by the men of Judah, and another with a saddle, but no rider. “This is the best way to get inside the walled cities and take a good look around.”

  “Inside the walls? Are you out of your mind?”

  “We can see all we need to see from the outside.”

  It was too early to argue. “You go your way, and we will go ours.” He tossed the reins to Joshua, then tapped the flank of his mount with a stick and set off. Once away from Kadesh and the multitude and camped the first night on their own in the wilderness of Paran, he would be able to speak with these men. Perhaps then they would listen. The others came along behind, mumbling.

  Joshua rode alongside him. “What do you have in mind?” He did not look comfortable mounted.

  Caleb swung his leg off the donkey. Joshua dismounted and they walked together. “Here is how I see it, Joshua. We need to find out everything we can about Canaanite defenses, and you can’t do that by skirting around a city. You have to go inside and see what war machines they have, if any, how strong their walls are, where the weak points exist.”

  “How does a farmer come to know anything about warfare?”

  “I don’t know much, my friend, but I have learned to observe everything around me. We listen to the wind and watch the movement of the stars and passing of seasons. I think there may be more than one reason for each command the Lord gives us.”

  Joshua tilted his head. “Go on.”

  “We know God fights for us. He destroyed Egypt with the plagues and opened a sea to give us safe passage out of Egypt. We know He has promised to give us Canaan. But we continue to test Him. It seems part of our nature to rebel against the Lord. Who knows what tomorrow may bring, Joshua. But there may be more than one reason why God sends us to view the land and people.” Caleb smiled bleakly. “If we fail again, what will God have us do?” Or what would God do to them?

  “We won’t fail.”

  “I have faith in God, my friend, but little faith in men.”

  They camped on the desolate southern edge of the wilderness of Zin. When they reached the dry mountain terrain of the Negev, Caleb thought it wise to split into smaller groups.

  “We’re safer together.”

  “Two men can move more quickly than twelve, and six groups will see more of Canaan than one.”

  “There is that to consider.” Joshua’s face shone bronze in the firelight. “And another. If we come as one, we will draw attention to ourselves, and the Canaanites may view us as a threat. If we travel in pairs, we can melt in, mingle. Take note of everything you see. Join others traveling and listen. We will meet here and make the journey back together.”

  Caleb had another idea. “Wherever you go, speak of what happened in Egypt. Spread the news that the Lord God of Israel overcame the gods of Egypt and delivered the Hebrews from slavery.”

  The others spoke in protest. “We may be questioned by leaders if we do that.”

  “The less we talk about what God did to Egypt the safer for us.”

  Even Joshua looked troubled by Caleb’s suggestion. Caleb tried to reason with them. “God called for leaders from among the tribes of Israel. Men of courage! You are all younger than me, but where is the fire of youth? Didn’t you hear what Moses said? The Lord has given us the land already. Canaan is already ours. We are being sent merely to see and report to the people the great gift God has given us.”

  “Do you really think we’ll just stroll into Canaan and the inhabitants will flee before us?”

  “If they know the God who is with us, yes! With the Lord on our side, who will dare come against us? Let the Canaanites know what has befallen Egypt so that the fear of the Lord will fall upon them. Then they will run from us when Moses leads us into Canaan.”

  Shaphat of Simeon stood. “A bold plan, Caleb.”

  Shammua of Reuben shook his head. “A little too bold, in my opinion.”

  “Should we not be bold? Look to the Lord who . . .”

  “Look things over!” Palti of Benjamin said. “That’s what Moses said. That’s all he said.”

  They ignored him.

  Nahbi of Naphtali gave a grim laugh. “That’s all I plan to do.”

  “What good if we get ourselves killed?” Ammiel of Dan wanted to know.

  Joshua looked across the fire at Caleb. Caleb gave him a hard stare. Why do you say nothing? You, who have stood beside Moses. You, who have seen closer at hand than any of us the power of the Lord.

  The others talked on around them. “No one has to die if we keep out of the cities and stay off the roads.”

  “Stay low and listen,” Caleb said in disgust. “Be like a lizard in the dust.”

  Shaphat’s eyes flashed. “You are not our leader, Caleb. We will each do what is best in our own eyes.”

  Igal of Issachar, Gaddi of Manasseh, and Asher’s Sethur agreed.

  “You don’t have to say much to plant fear in the minds of men, do you?” Caleb looked around the gathering, jaw clenched.

  “We were not sent to be foolhardy. You’re going to get yourself and anyone who travels with you killed!”

  Caleb glared at Joshua. He looked up to the heavens. “These are the leaders of Israel?” He rose abruptly, unable to stomach any more, and went out into the night. He wanted to shout out his frustration at their timidity, but instead sat alone, thinking about God. He missed the swirling cloud of protection, the Word of God given through Moses. Even now that he had been chosen by God to stand among these men, Caleb felt like an outsider. Had he nothing in common with them? God’s chosen! Cowards, every one.

  He didn’t understand Joshua’s reticence. The young man had fought valiantly against the Amalekites. He was no coward. So why did he sit in silence, watching and listening, not an idea in his head?

  Am I wrong, Lord? Should we creep along, peering over rocks and from behind trees? Should we tiptoe through the land? Should I go back to the fire and give in to their plans? I can’t do that. I can’t!

  If I sit with them and take their counsel, I will give in to fear. I will cower before the Canaanites as I did the Egyptians. Who then will be master of my life but fear itself? Lord, You alone are to be feared. You are the One who holds our lives in Your hands.

  Joshua joined him. “We leave at first light.” He looked up, scanning the night sky. “They will go in three groups.”

  “Three groups and one alone.”

  “You and I will travel together.”

  “Did you decide that all by yourself, Joshua?” Caleb gave a cold laugh as he stood and faced him. “Or did the others decide for you? Did you all cast lots around the fire?”

  “I needed to hear everyone’s plan and then lay them out before the Lord to seek His guidance.”

  Temper snuffed by Joshua’s words, Caleb rubbed the back of his neck. “Forgive me, brother.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “No wonder God chose you to stand at Moses’ side.”

  “I have much to learn, Caleb, but the Lord has said, ‘Do not be afraid.’”

  Caleb turned the younger man back toward the light. “Then we will not be afraid! We will cast out our fear of men, and fear only the Lord who holds our lives in His mighty hand.”

  The rugged mountains and wadis of the Negev made travel difficult. Two of the groups decided they would head for the foothills to the west, traveling in the forests below the ridge country. Caleb was relieved they were finally willing to venture out.

  Caleb and Joshua moved farther north until they encountered towns of stone built on hilltops. They spent the night outside the walls of Kiriathsepher, paid tariffs so they could trade, and set out wares at the marketplace the next day.

  Caleb fought his fears as he watched the Hittite
men. They stood a head taller than he and were heavier muscled. Armed and richly dressed from the cone helmets and thick braided hair and trimmed beards to their finely woven, colorfully patterned garments and leather-covered feet, they walked with an air of power and confidence. The women, too, were comely and bold.

  “You do not speak as we do.” A woman looked him over. “Where are you from?”

  He noticed her interest in a gold and lapis bracelet, and picked it up. “Egypt. A ruined country.” He held the bracelet out and named his price—grain, olive oil.

  Others milled around the jewelry, bargaining. “Will apricots do? Or almonds?” Caleb agreed to a measure of both.

  The first woman returned quickly with the necessary staples. Her eyes glowed as she slipped the bracelet on. “I got the better bargain.” She laughed. “Grain we have in plenty, and olive oil, but nothing so grand as this.” She caressed the gold and lapis. “What did you mean when you said Egypt is ruined?”

  “The plagues.”

  “What plagues?” Another heard the dread word.

  “The God of the Hebrews made war against the gods of Pharaoh. The Nile turned to blood. Frogs and flies swarmed over the country. Then locusts came and ate the crops. Fire from heaven burned what remained. Pestilence killed the cattle, sheep, goats, camels. Even as we began starving, an outbreak of boils struck everyone, even the house of Pharaoh, and then the worst came to pass. Have you ever had a boil?”

  “No.”

  “Such pain and misery, you can’t imagine. And the scars. Horrible.”

  “Scars?” The woman’s eyes went wide with alarm. “You said that wasn’t the worst. What could be worse than beauty destroyed?”

  “Tell us.” Another came close.

  “What did you mean by the worst?”

  “How could it be worse than what you have described?”

  “The Lord God of Israel struck down every firstborn male from Pharaoh’s house to the lowest servant, and even among the animals.”

  “Do you hear what this man says?” The woman called for others to listen. A crowd of men and women gathered.

  “How did you survive?”