It is also notable, that Caleb’s father’s name was, Jephunneh. As has been often pointed out, names and their meanings in Scripture, many times, carry a great deal of significance. The name Jephunneh means, He beheld. Now we don’t want to go too far with our applications and illustrations, but perhaps in the meaning of Jephunneh there is a lesson for us. I simply suggest that, in application, Caleb was raised in a home where he beheld the truth from a God-fearing father.
I realize that there may be some readers who have not been brought up in a Christian home, and it is wonderful when spiritual eyes are opened, by the Spirit of God, sometimes through the instrumentality of others (either when we are young or even later in life), “to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:44One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)). But many, like myself, have grown up in homes, where our fathers showed us these things from the earliest days of our childhood. They read the Bible to us, prayed with us, and gave testimony to what they believed by a godly, joyous, consistent walk. They also brought us to meetings on a weekly basis, where the Bible was read and the truth ministered. What a place of blessing and privilege to be reared in, but what a responsibility too. Again Paul exhorted Timothy, “but continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-1514But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:14‑15)). Timothy had been brought up hearing the Word of God, and Paul’s desire was that he would continue to value and walk in the good of it.
While we value being brought up in a place of favor and blessing, yet the time had come in Caleb’s life when he would have to take a stand for the truth on his own. And so it is with all of us. While we should esteem a godly heritage, the day comes when we must buy the truth for ourselves. As we are told in Proverbs 23:2323Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23), “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” We never rightly value something until we buy it for ourselves. The gospel is free to the recipient, and we are thankful it is, but we must buy the truth. If one of my children wants something and I give them the money to buy it, or I buy it for them myself, they may have some appreciation for it. However, if I encourage them to save their allowance or spending money, and buy it themselves, now they have a greater appreciation because they know the true value and cost of the item.
Whether we are brought up in the truth, or whether we are brought to the truth, as has been said, we must buy it for ourselves. And more than that, we must hold fast to it firmly or we will lose it. Not only is every individual tested, but every generation that is brought up in the truth and a place of privilege is tested collectively as well.
Someone has put it this way:
• The first generation buys the truth, often at great cost.
• The second generation enjoys it.
• The third generation often (not always) squanders it.
I am thankful for a father who planned his life, and the life of his family, around the Lord, meetings for worship, ministry, and prayer, and according to the Word of God.