Calebites

Biblical Text

The term "Calebite" appears in 1 Samuel 25:3. The verse introduces Nabal, a wealthy man who lived in Maon and whose possessions were in Carmel, and states that "he was of the house of Caleb." Carmel here is not Mount Carmel in the north but a town in the hill country of southern Judah. In this narrative Nabal insultingly refuses the request of David, and his wife Abigail goes out to meet David and averts disaster. In 1 Samuel 30:14, "the south of Caleb" is listed among the areas raided by the Amalekites. "The south" (the Negev) refers to the arid land in the southern part of Judah, and the phrase shows that this area was known as the land of Caleb's house.

Background

The group takes its name from Caleb. Of the twelve spies, Caleb was the one who, together with Joshua, brought back a good report (Numbers 14:24). He is called "the Kenezite" (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6). Caleb received Hebron as his inheritance (land passed down from generation to generation) and drove out Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the sons of Anak, from there (Joshua 14:13–15; 15:13–14; Judges 1:20). His nephew Othniel captured Debir (Kirjath-sepher) and took Caleb's daughter Achsah as his wife (Joshua 15:15–17). 1 Chronicles 2 lists the descendants of Caleb the son of Hezron within the genealogy of the tribe of Judah.

It is often noted that the Hebrew name "Caleb" sounds similar to the word for "dog." In 1 Samuel 25:3, the Masoretic Text reportedly shows a discrepancy between the consonants written in the text and the reading indicated for it. The written consonants can also be read as "according to his heart," while the indicated reading is "Calebite." The Septuagint is reported to have rendered the word in the sense of "dog-like."

Significance in Scripture as a Whole

Hebron, where the Calebites settled, is the place where David was first anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:1–4). The term "Calebite" does not appear in the New Testament. However, the theme of people from an outside lineage being received into Israel is often discussed alongside the stories of Rahab and Ruth. This theme is also sometimes read in connection with the New Testament teaching that the Gentiles enter the people of God through faith.

Interpretations and Issues

• The Kenezites and the tribe of Judah: Genesis 36 lists Kenaz as a descendant of Esau, that is, as a name belonging to an Edomite line. For this reason some scholars hold that Caleb's house was originally of foreign descent and was later incorporated into the tribe of Judah. Other interpreters, relying on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, understand it as having belonged to the tribe of Judah from the beginning. Views also differ on whether the Caleb of 1 Chronicles and Caleb the son of Jephunneh are the same person.
• The purpose of Nabal's introduction: Interpreters differ as to why the text identifies Nabal as a Calebite. Some read it as a deliberate contrast between Caleb, the faithful ancestor, and his foolish descendant, while others see it as the wordplay on "dog" mentioned above.
• Relationship with David: Some scholars interpret David's becoming king in Hebron after his marriage to Abigail as a political alliance with the Calebite region. The text does not state this directly.

In the Korean Church

The term "Calebite" is mentioned mainly in sermons on the account of Nabal and Abigail. Cited far more often is the story of their ancestor Caleb. In particular, the scene in which the eighty-five-year-old Caleb says, "Now therefore give me this mountain" (Joshua 14:12), is widely used in sermons on faith and taking on new challenges in old age.