How Caleb Influenced Joshua

Texta: Num 14:6-9, 24, 30, 38; 27:18-21; 32:11-12

Why does the Lord single Caleb out for faithfulness in Num. 14:24 but spares Joshua also (14:30, 38)? The Lord commends Caleb for having "another spirit" and following the Lord "fully" (v. 30), but when it comes time for Moses to appoint a successor, he chooses Joshua rather than Caleb and credits him as having "the spirit" (Num. 27:18ff.). I think Num. 32:12 supplies the answer. In this passage, the Lord also credits Joshua with "wholly " following him.

So why is Caleb singled out in 14:24? I believe it's because he took the lead and Joshua stood with him. Both men are credited with fully/wholly following the Lord, but the Lord also makes a point to acknowledge Caleb's leadership in this situation.

Application: You also will get credit/reward for where you led in the right way and others followed. Your influence might keep others on track (Joshua was already Moses' understudy before Num. 14) and enable them to ultimately exceed you (Joshua succeeds Moses as leader of Israel, not Caleb). Praise the Lord for Caleb's salutary influence!