“Caleb silenced the people toward Moses, and said: We will ascend, and inherit it; for we can prevail over it” (Numbers 13:30). “Caleb silenced” – as at first he said to them: ‘I am with you in counsel,’ but in his heart, he intended to speak the truth, as it is stated: “I returned word to him as it was in my heart. My brethren who went up with me dissolved the heart of the people” (Joshua 14:7–8).
Likewise, the Holy One blessed be He attests in his regard: “But My servant Caleb, because another spirit was with him” (Numbers 14:24). When the spies came, they said: ‘Caleb is trustworthy for us,’ he immediately stood on the bench and silenced all of Israel, who were shouting at Moses, as it is stated: “Caleb silenced.” They believed that he was going to speak slander; that is why they were silent.
He began and said: “We will ascend, and inherit it; for we can prevail over it.” Immediately, they disputed with him and said: “We will be unable to ascend against the people…” (Numbers 13:31).