The Warrior: Caleb by Francine Rivers Read Free Book Online Page A

seven days outside the camp. Everyone waited for her return, for she was held in high esteem as the sister of Moses, the one who had watched over him as he drifted on the Nile and then been bold enough to speak to Pharaoh’s daughter about his need for a wet nurse. The cunning girl had brought back their mother to tend him.

    Caleb loved to listen to Ephrathah’s stories. She knew the history of her people in a way he had never heard it. She was more eloquent than Zimri and the elders! Every bit of information he could gather helped him pry into the boundaries of his adopted tribe. He smiled as his sons leaned in close, listening hungrily. This new wife of his had the gift of storytelling. Seeing her more clearly, he cherished her. Ephrathah was as stubborn in her faith as he. Even Jerioth, about to bear her second child, deferred to Ephrathah.
    “Moses drifted among the crocodiles and serpents.” Ephrathah moved her hands sinuously as she told the story of Moses. “Even the wise ibises paid no attention. Israel’s deliverer was within their reach, and they did not know. And where did the Lord take the babe, but straight into the arms of the daughter of His enemy, Pharaoh. Moses’ sister, Miriam, came out of hiding then and said the baby needed a wet nurse and would the lady like her to fetch one. Of course, she did, having no milk to offer. And so it was that Jochebed, Moses’ own mother, received her son back again.” Ephrathah laughed. “The Lord laughs at His enemies, for they have no power against Him.”
    Caleb drew Ephrathah close in his arms that night. He whispered into the curve of her neck, “You are worth your weight in gold.”

    Zimri and the other elders of Judah called the heads of families together. Moses had called for twelve spies to enter Canaan, one from each tribe. Judah must choose a representative.
    Dozens of men volunteered, Caleb among them. Though he quaked at the thought of entering Canaan without the Lord overhead, he knew if he was chosen, he and his family would hold a place of honor from this time forward. “Let me. I’m not afraid. Send me!”
    Everyone started talking at once and no one heard him but those standing close. They sneered. The elders were calling for discussion.
    “It should be a young man without wife and children on such a journey.”
    “There is no guarantee the man will return alive.”
    “There are giants in the land. Descendants of Anak.”
    At that, some men changed their minds about volunteering.
    Voices grew louder. “Let each family offer one, and we will cast lots to see who the Lord will send.”
    If that happened, Caleb knew he stood no chance. He shoved into the circle. “I will go.” His sons would have a place among God’s people even if he had to sacrifice his life to make certain of it.
    The gathering fell silent. Several looked to Zimri.
    The old man shook his head. “No.”
    Caleb faced the old man he had saved. “Why not?” He looked around the circle. “I don’t see all that many jumping at the chance to go.”
    “You have two wives and sons.”
    “Not to mention the rabble who came with him!” another called out from the back.
    Caleb seethed, but forced himself to offer a wry smile. “Why not send the dog if he’s so eager to sniff out Canaan?” Some laughed at Caleb’s challenge. Others called out agreement. “What do you say? Will you send the Caleb?” A cry of agreement rose amidst the laughter. Caleb laughed loudest, determined. “Mock me if you will, but send me. If I die in Canaan, what have you lost?”
    “Nothing!”
    “Enough!” Zimri shouted. “Hear me.” The men grew quiet. “Moses has called for men who are leaders. He is no leader who mocks his brother.” Caleb felt the heat surge into his face and then realized Zimri’s scowl was directed at the man who had started the baiting. The offender lowered his gaze. Zimri looked at the others. “Who will represent Judah on this perilous errand? Step forward