Numbers 32:12 - Loyalty rewarded with survival

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Hebrew Text

בִּלְתִּי כָּלֵב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה הַקְּנִזִּי וִיהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן כִּי מִלְאוּ אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

save Kalev son of Yefunne the Qenizzite, and Yehoshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the Lord.

Transliteration

Bilti kalev ben-yefuneh hakenizi vihoshua bin-nun ki milu acharei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

בִּלְתִּ֞י כָּלֵ֤ב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה֙ הַקְּנִזִּ֔י וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בִּן־נ֑וּן כִּ֥י מִלְא֖וּ אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis: Bilvadi Kalev ben Yefunne

The verse (Bamidbar 32:12) highlights the exceptional righteousness of Kalev and Yehoshua, who remained steadfast in their devotion to Hashem while the rest of the generation of the Exodus failed. The phrase "כִּי מִלְאוּ אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה" ("for they have wholly followed the Lord") underscores their complete loyalty.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Kalev and Yehoshua were unique because they did not participate in the sin of the spies (Meraglim). While the other spies brought back a negative report about Eretz Yisrael, Kalev and Yehoshua maintained their faith in Hashem's promise. Rashi notes that the term "מִלְאוּ" implies they followed Hashem "with a full heart," without any reservations.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 7): The Midrash elaborates that Kalev went alone to Chevron to pray at the graves of the Avot (Patriarchs) for strength to resist the counsel of the other spies. This demonstrates his extraordinary personal commitment.
Sifrei (Bamidbar 32:12): The Sifrei emphasizes that Yehoshua was protected from the spies' influence because Moshe had prayed for him (as seen in Bamidbar 13:16, where Moshe added the letter yud to his name, transforming it from Hoshea to Yehoshua).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam discusses the concept of emunah sheleimah (complete faith) exemplified by Kalev and Yehoshua. Their unwavering trust in Hashem, despite the majority's dissent, serves as a model for overcoming societal pressure in matters of faith.

Kalev's Unique Title: "HaKenizi"

The verse refers to Kalev as "הַקְּנִזִּי" ("the Kenizzite"), which Rashi explains connects him to the family of Kenaz (see Yehoshua 15:17). Alternatively, the Talmud (Sotah 11b) suggests this title highlights his distinguished lineage, as he descended from Yehuda (through Kenaz), reinforcing his noble character.

Practical Lessons

Steadfastness in Faith: Kalev and Yehoshua teach the importance of remaining loyal to Torah values even when surrounded by opposition.
Leadership Through Conviction: Their example underscores that true leadership requires moral courage and complete trust in Hashem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Kalev and Yehoshua in Numbers 32:12?
A: Kalev (Caleb) ben Yefunne and Yehoshua (Joshua) bin Nun were two of the twelve spies sent by Moshe (Moses) to scout the Land of Israel. Unlike the other ten spies who brought back a negative report, Kalev and Yehoshua remained faithful to Hashem and encouraged the people to trust in His promise to give them the land (Bamidbar 13-14).

Q: Why does the verse mention that Kalev and Yehoshua 'wholly followed the Lord'?
A: The phrase 'wholly followed the Lord' (מִלְאוּ אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה) emphasizes their complete loyalty and trust in Hashem. Rashi explains that they did not join the other spies in their rebellion and stood firm in their faith, even when it was unpopular. This is why they merited to enter the Land of Israel when the rest of their generation did not.

Q: What can we learn from Kalev and Yehoshua's example in this verse?
A: Their example teaches the importance of steadfast faith in Hashem, even when facing challenges or opposition. The Midrash (Sifrei) praises their courage in standing alone against the majority. This applies today by reminding us to stay true to Torah values, even when societal pressures push us in the opposite direction.

Q: Why is Kalev called 'the Kenizzite' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that Kalev was from the tribe of Yehudah (Judah), but his father Yefunne had married a woman from the Kenizzite clan (a non-Israelite people mentioned in Bereishit 15:19). Despite this, Kalev's righteousness earned him a place among the leaders of Israel, showing that sincere devotion to Hashem transcends lineage.