The Courage of Kalev

The courage of Kalev Ben Yefuneh, the husband of Miriam, was seen in the episode of the spies.

He reassured the people that we would be successful in going up and inheriting the land. He reminded them that Hashem would never forsake them, and He would keep his promise that we would inherit the land.

Kalev also added the words, סר צלם, “Their shadow or protection has left them.” He was explaining that there may have been a time that the land was meant to be inhabited by the Seven Nations, but they no longer have any protection. Their sins and corrupt behavior have become so intolerable, that their time is up. It is part of the Divine plan for the Jewish people to inhabit the land promised to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov.

The Prophet Yechezkel saw the future that we are experiencing, unfold. There would come a time when Hashem will have had enough. Even if the Jewish people may have gone astray, the arrogance and smugness of the enemies of the Jewish people and G-d, would no longer go unpunished.

They have acted in a way where they ignored Hashem’s might and awesome power. Now they would fall in a very painful manner. They will be humbled and humiliated. They will realize that the G-d of Israel, neither sleeps nor slumbers. He will pour out His wrath against the scoffers and non-believers.

His Name will be sanctified through His people. His army and brave fighters, will be the envy of the world. Kalev saw the glorious days that were ahead for Am Yisrael. We are fortunate to be witnessing the glorious days that soon await us, with the help of Hashem.