Congregation Bible Study for the week of October 12-18, 2026

Chapter 12: He Loyally Stood Up for His God

1. Why can we say that Numbers 13:23 is not exaggerating when it describes the grapes in the Promised Land? (w06 6/15 p. 16 pars. 1, 2).

Numbers 13:23 — When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, there they cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes, which two of the men had to carry on a bar, as well as some of the pomegranates and figs.

Comment 1: The account says that one cluster had to be carried by two men. It was not an exaggeration; the spies had personally seen that extraordinary harvest.

Comment 2: Near Hebron they found a vineyard with grapes so large that they called that area the torrent valley of Eshcol, or “Grape Cluster.” It was an impressive display of the land’s fertility.

Comment 3: Centuries later, a visitor reported that vines were still plentiful in Eshcol and that its grapes were among the best and largest in Palestine. This confirms that the Bible’s description was realistic.

Comment 4: Eshcol was not the only place that produced good grapes. They were cultivated in many parts of Palestine, and even Egyptian records indicate that the pharaohs imported wine from Canaan.

Comment 5: That cluster was visible proof that Jehovah was fulfilling his promise to bring them into a good land. The Israelites had reasons to trust in him, not to let fear control them.

2. Did the Promised Land really flow with “milk and honey,” as Caleb and Joshua said? (Num. 14:8; w11 3/1 p. 15).

Numbers 14:8 — If Jehovah is pleased with us, he will certainly bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that is flowing with milk and honey.

Comment 1: Yes, Caleb and Joshua were not exaggerating. Jehovah had promised a land flowing with milk and honey, and they trusted that he would give it to his people.

Comment 2: In the Promised Land, the Israelites raised cows, sheep, and goats. Thus they could have an abundant supply of milk, as indicated by the expression used in the promise.

Comment 3: The word honey may refer to a sweet, thick juice made from figs, dates, or grapes. But the Bible often speaks of wild honey, that is, honey produced by bees.

Comment 4: The discovery of ancient beehives at Tel Rehov supports the idea that bee honey was also produced there. Many beehives and evidence of a well-developed beekeeping industry were found at the site.

Comment 5: The land was abundant, but more important, it was a gift from Jehovah. His promise was being fulfilled, making it even sadder that many Israelites did not trust in him.

3. How far were the Israelites from reaching the Promised Land when Moses sent the 12 spies out from Kadesh? (w04 10/15 p. 17 pars. 11, 12).

Comment 1: When Moses sent the spies out from Kadesh, the Israelites were very close to the Promised Land. It could be said that they were already at its doorstep.

Comment 2: Kadesh was about 16 kilometers from Beer-lahai-roi, where Isaac and Rebekah had lived. From there, Beer-sheba was less than 95 kilometers away, near the southern boundary of the Promised Land.

Comment 3: This contrasts with the long journey they had already made. From Mount Sinai to Kadesh, they had traveled about 270 kilometers, a route that took 11 days.

Comment 4: The spies traveled through the Negeb and reached Hebron and the northern boundaries of the land. The conquest was not far off; the problem was not the distance but the lack of faith of the majority.

Comment 5: Because they followed the discouraging report of ten spies, they wandered for 40 years in the wilderness. The account encourages us to trust in Jehovah and not fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

4. How did Jehovah reward Caleb for his faith and courage? (w06 10/1 p. 18 par. 11).

Comment 1: Jehovah allowed Caleb to survive the 40 years in the wilderness, just as he had promised. Unlike the rebellious generation, Caleb would enter the Promised Land.

Comment 2: Caleb also took an active part during the six years of conquering Canaan. Jehovah did not forget the faith and courage he had shown from the beginning.

Comment 3: Although he was already 85 years old, Caleb fought against God’s enemies in Canaan. Jehovah blessed him with good health and the strength needed to carry out that task.

Comment 4: Finally, Caleb received his own land. He chose Hebron, precisely the place that the ten spies had considered impossible to conquer because of its giant warriors.

Comment 5: Caleb’s reward confirms that Jehovah is generous toward those who serve him with courage and loyalty. He values faith that remains strong over the years.

Although Caleb did show faith, he had to wander in the wilderness along with the other Israelites. Even so, he was humble and continued trusting in Jehovah. In what situations could we imitate Caleb’s example?

Comment 1: We can imitate Caleb when we suffer the consequences of the wrong decisions of others. Although he had been faithful, he did not complain or stop serving Jehovah during the years in the wilderness.

Comment 2: Perhaps a difficult situation lasts longer than we expected. Caleb teaches us to continue trusting in Jehovah and to maintain a humble attitude while we wait for him to act.

Comment 3: Caleb gave his unconditional support to Moses and later to Joshua. We can imitate him by loyally cooperating with those whom Jehovah uses to direct his people.

Comment 4: It is easy to think that we deserve different treatment when we have done what is right. Caleb did not focus on himself; he continued putting Jehovah’s will first.

Comment 5: Caleb’s patience was rewarded. His example helps us remain faithful even when we have to wait a long time to see Jehovah’s promises fulfilled.

How does Caleb’s example help us resist peer pressure and not be swept along by “the majority”? (Ex. 23:2).

Exodus 23:2 — You must not follow after the crowd to do evil, and you must not pervert justice by giving testimony to go along with the crowd.

Comment 1: Caleb and Joshua did not follow the ten spies or the crowd that was overcome by fear. They took their stand on Jehovah’s side, even though doing so put them in danger.

Comment 2: The majority is not always right. Caleb reminds us that we should base our decisions on what Jehovah thinks, not on what seems popular among those around us.

Comment 3: Pressure can arise when we are invited to participate in something that does not agree with Bible principles. Like Caleb, we can respectfully say that we will not do it.

Comment 4: Caleb did more than reject the bad report; he tried to encourage the people to trust in Jehovah. We can do the same by speaking in a positive way and basing our words on the Bible.

Comment 5: We do not need to feel alone when doing what is right. Jehovah was with Caleb and Joshua, and he also strengthens those who remain loyal even when others do not support them.

In what other ways can you imitate Caleb’s example of courage?

Comment 1: We can show courage by speaking about our faith. Caleb clearly defended trust in Jehovah, even when the crowd was against him.

Comment 2: We also need courage not to be overcome by obstacles that seem great. Caleb did not deny that there were strong enemies; he trusted that Jehovah would be with him.

Comment 3: Caleb’s courage did not diminish with age. His example encourages everyone, young and old, to continue serving Jehovah with enthusiasm.

Comment 4: We can be courageous when accepting an assignment or persevering in a difficult task. Caleb was willing to fight for Hebron because he trusted in Jehovah’s promise.

Comment 5: In addition, Caleb was courageous without acting independently. He supported Moses and Joshua. Christian courage is always linked with loyalty and humility.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: Jehovah sees what is in the heart. He noticed that Caleb had a different spirit and that he followed Him wholeheartedly.

Comment 2: Jehovah fulfills his promises. He promised that Caleb would enter the Promised Land, and decades later he allowed him to receive Hebron as an inheritance.

Comment 3: Jehovah is patient, but he also takes lack of faith very seriously. The account shows that he did not approve of the rebellion of those who rejected his clear demonstrations of power.

Comment 4: Jehovah strengthens his faithful servants to do what he expects of them. Caleb was able to face a difficult task because he was sure that Jehovah would be with him.

Comment 5: Jehovah is generous and appreciative. He did not forget Caleb’s decades of loyalty but blessed him with life, strength, and an inheritance in the Promised Land.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the main theme of the Bible?

Comment 1: The account shows that Jehovah was fulfilling his purpose to bring Israel into the land he had promised them. No obstacle could prevent him from carrying out his will.

Comment 2: The Promised Land was proof that Jehovah fulfills what he says. Caleb and Joshua trusted in his promise, while others allowed fear to weaken their faith.

Comment 3: Jehovah preserved Caleb and Joshua alive so that they could enter the land. Thus it became clear that he blesses those who remain loyal and trust in his direction.

Comment 4: The account highlights an idea found throughout the Bible: Jehovah deserves our absolute trust. His servants benefit when they obey and move ahead in faith.

Comment 5: Caleb’s experience also directs our attention to the future. We want to remain obedient and do everything possible to enter the rest that Jehovah has promised.

What would I like to ask Caleb when he is resurrected?

Comment 1: We could ask him what memories he had of Jehovah’s powerful acts in Egypt and at the Red Sea. Those experiences must have deeply strengthened his faith.

Comment 2: It would be interesting to ask him how he felt when he heard the report of the ten spies and saw that the people refused to trust in Jehovah.

Comment 3: Perhaps we would like to ask him what helped him maintain strong faith during the 40 years that Israel wandered in the wilderness.

Comment 4: We could also ask him what it was like to conquer Hebron at 85 years of age. He was convinced that Jehovah would be with him, just as He had promised.

Comment 5: Above all, it would be wonderful to ask him what it meant to follow Jehovah wholeheartedly throughout his life and to serve him again in the future.