The Pulpit Commentary — Numbers — Section 195

Ver. 24.-Tlie promise to Caleb. God grants the prayer of Moses for the people, and makes clear how small a boon it is by notifying at the same time their necessary e:11:clusion from Canaan. The smallness of the boon compBred with the greatness of the lose ie still further shown when he goes on to make the promise to Caleb. Consider- I. How CLl!!AR BUCH A PROMISE MAKES THE REASON WHY Goo's PROMISES BEEM 80 OFTEN UNFULFILLED, Men do not supply the conditions requieit.e for their fulfilment. The same claims, promises, and warnings were laid before othere as before Caleb; but when they were rebellioUB he was obedient, and the end of it is indicated here. The law of sowing and reaping, of canee and effect, is at work. Let Christians con- sider how many promises given for the guidance and comfort of present life are yet unfulfilled in their experience. The power and disposition of God are toward us, as toward the Israelites, but the rebellious hearts are many and the Calebs few (Eph. i. 19). II. A BEAUTIFUL Il.LUSTBATION OF SPECUL PROVIDENCE. As we read on and learn that Caleb was to spend forty years in the wilderness before the fulfilment of the promise, then we discern how constantly he must have been under the eye of God, how surely provided for and protected. He had known much of danger already: something 118 a spy and something as a faithful witness, and the lifting of stones against him was perhaps but an earnest of further perils from his own coun- trymen. And yet, although his wanderings were to be long and dangerous, God, ,;;peaking with that assurance which becomes God only, promises Caleb an entrance into the land at last. Who can tell what heart/this very promise made more hostile, and what special interpositions may have been required to protect him? III. THE REASONS FOR Goo's GRACIOUS TREATMENT OF CALEB, "He 'l''iaS a man of another spirit." Of another spirit as to hu recollections of the past. The others thought much of the past, but it was in a selfish and grovelling spirit. They hankered after the creature comforts and delicacies of Egypt, and continually be- moaned the simpler life of the wilderness. The ten misleading spies very likely took thoughts of Egypt into their inspection of Canaan, comparing it not with God's promises, but with what they recollected of the land they had left. On the other hand, Caleb's thoughts would run much on the bondage and oppression in Egypt. Humbly and devoutly observant of each wonderful work of God as it was being per- formed, he would have it more deeply impressed on hie mind ; and every time the thought returned there would be something of the power of a firet impression. There would be the recollection also of God's forbearance and Jong-suffering with him in his own imperfect services. Of another spirit, consequently, as to his condvct in the present. To one who had learned to look on the past as he did, the present would appear in all its glory immeasurably better than the past. Hence, what made others mourn made him rejoice ; while others were rebelling and hatching conspiracies, he was doing all he could to sustain Moses. May we not conjecture that he went on the search expedition not so much because he deemed it needful, as in order that one at least might bring back a faithful testimony ? So let it be said of us that wherever the spirit of the world is manifested in greed, passion, false representation, or any other evil thing, we by our conduct in present circumstances, as they rise fresh and often unexpected day by day, show indeed another spirit. It is only by having the right spirit alive and strong within us that we shall be equal to the claims ever 'coming on Christ's servants. Of another spirit as to his expectations in the future. Every man who lives so that his present is better than his pnst has a growing •assurance that the future will be better than the present. He who JiveM in the con- stant appreciation and enjoyment of fulfilled promises will consider the future as • having in it the promises yet to be fulfilled. It would doubtless be a keen personal disappointment to Caleb when he found the people determined to retreat. He had known something of the future in the present when he 'l"isited the promised land, .and joy would fill hie thoughts at the prospect of speedy possession. A m11n of such a spirit as Cnleb gives God the opportunity of accomplishing nil bis word. "He bath followed me fully." As fully, that is, as was po~sible for a sinful man in enrthly conditions. God does not expect the service of g-lorified spirits during the life we Jive in the flesh. But wherever he finds diligence, caution, the spirit that.  176 THE BOOK OF NUMBERS. [cm1. xm., xiv-~