Our story comes from the wisdom of Ben Sira, also known as Ecclesiasticus, a book of wisdom literature. It’s part of the Apocrypha, writings that are considered canonical by some, but not all, Jewish and Christian traditions. Here, Ben Sira sings the praises of heroes of old.
He tells us that Joshua, whose name was originally Hoshea (meaning "salvation") but was changed by Moses to Joshua (Yehoshua, meaning "the Lord is salvation"), was utterly devoted to God. He showed piety in the days of Moses, a time of incredible upheaval and testing for the Israelites. He wasn't alone, though. With him stood Caleb, son of Yefuneh.
These two men faced a daunting task. They had to stand strong against the "wild assembly," referring to the majority of the Israelites who, terrified by the reports of the spies, wanted to turn back to Egypt. Can you imagine the pressure? The fear? To be surrounded by six hundred thousand infantry, all gripped by doubt and despair?
Ben Sira continues, highlighting their crucial role: to turn away God's anger from the congregation and to put an end to their negative report. Because of their unwavering faith, Joshua and Caleb were spared from the fate that befell the rest of that generation. Think about that – spared from the death that swept through the Israelites in the desert.
What was their reward? To lead the people into their inheritance, "a land flowing with milk and honey." A land promised to them, a land of abundance and blessing.
And Caleb, in particular, received a special gift: wisdom. Ben Sira tells us that this wisdom stayed with him until old age, guiding him as he led the people upon the "heights of the land." His descendants, too, inherited a portion of the land, a testament to his faithfulness.
The message is clear: that all the descendants of Jacob, all of us, should know that it is good, truly good, to fully follow after Adonai, the Lord.
So, what does this mean for us today? It's a reminder that true faith isn't always easy. It requires courage, resilience, and the willingness to stand apart from the crowd. It's about trusting in something bigger than ourselves, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. It's about remembering that even in the face of overwhelming odds, unwavering faith can lead us to our own promised land. What "land flowing with milk and honey" might be awaiting you? What "wild assembly" are you standing against today?