Hidden Heroes: Jephunneh, Caleb’s Daddy

by David Chadwick

Joshua and Caleb were a significant duo in the Bible. They are definitely more well known Biblical figures, but their daddies are two of my hidden heroes.

Yesterday, we learned about Nun, who was Joshua’s daddy. Today’s hidden hero is Caleb’s daddy: Jephunneh.

Found in Numbers 32:12 and Joshua 14:6, Jephunneh is referred to as a Kenizzite.

We don’t know much about Jephunneh, but we do know a lot about his son, Caleb.

There is a very good chance that someone who turned out as powerfully as Caleb probably had a very good dad.

If you remember biblical history, Caleb and Joshua were the two spies who originally went into the Promised Land. Unlike the 10 other spies, the two of them came back with a good report. They spoke to how beautiful the land was and how God was bigger than the giants, the walled cities, and the challenges before them. Joshua and Caleb sought to instill faith in the people, challenging them to look at the size of their God, rather than the size of the giants. But the people failed to heed their exhortations.

40 years later, when the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land, Joshua led the people, but Caleb, at the age of 85 or so, chose his portion of the land. He chose the portion where the giants were the biggest and the fruit is the most luscious.

Caleb’s life is my favorite example in all of Scripture of someone who didn’t retire, but refired. What an incredible message! God can use anyone at any age for his glory. At the age of 85, Caleb was still fighting and defeating God’s giants.

What faith! What courage! Where did it come from?

I can’t help but wonder if Jephunneh had a huge impact on the characteristics we see in Caleb’s life. It is highly likely that he instilled a fortitude, a stamina, and a faith in Caleb that allowed him to remain strong in the Lord and to experience the Promised Land.

A true hidden hero!