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Joshua

Updated: Oct 11, 2020

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)


Date

1491 BC - 1381 BC


Bible Reference

Exodus 17:9 – Joshua 24:29


Summary

Joshua (Hoshea) was a military leader during the journey to the Promised Land, often serving as Moses’ second in command. Joshua was the only one allowed to go up Mount Sinai with Moses and was not in the camp when the people formed and worshiped the golden calf.


Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent to spy “spy out the land of Canaan.” He and Caleb were the only two spies to encourage the people to invade Canaan as God had commanded. They urged the people to trust God, but the other spies were afraid and convinced the people to retreat to Egypt. As a result, Joshua and Caleb were the only two Israelites over the age of twenty allowed to enter the Promised Land.


Before Moses died, Joshua was commissioned by Moses and ordained by God as the leader of the Israelites. After Moses died, Joshua led the Israelites in the conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to only serve God. (Exodus 17:13; 24:13; Numbers 13:1-14:38; Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Joshua 1-11, 23-24)


Character

  • Servant mined and loyal. (Exodus 24:13; 32:17; Numbers 14:6-10)

  • Obedient. (Joshua 6:1-21)

  • Committed and influential. (Joshua 24:14-27)

  • Filled with the Spirit of Wisdom. (Deuteronomy 34:9)

  • Faithful (Hebrews 11:30)


Symbolism

  • Joshua, which means “Yahweh is salvation,” delivered the people of Israel from the wilderness into the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 31:7, 8)

  • Jesus, the Greek name for Joshua, delivers all believers from the wilderness of sin. (Matthew 1:21)


Challenges

  • Remaining loyal to Moses and obedient to God when others were worshiping idols and complaining. (Exodus 32:17; Numbers 14:6-10)

  • Leading the Israelites through the flooded Jordan river and preparing them to attack a fortified city. (Joshua 3:1-6:27)

  • Dividing the land fairly and preparing the Israelites to continue to serve and obey God while in the Promised Land. (Joshua 13:8-24:28)


Lessons

  • When people dedicate their lives to God through faithful and humble service, God will use them for a greater purpose. God has a plan for everyone, even if it means standing in someone else’s shadow. (Joshua 1:1-9).

  • God calls people to trust Him, even in the midst of opposition and persecution. (Numbers 14:6-10; Joshua 6:1-27).


Book of Joshua

Category: Historical Books

Written: c. 1300s BC

By: Unknown (Joshua or Samuel)

Topic: History of Conquest

Location: Canaan

Purpose: To assure the people that obedience to God is rewarded.

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Outline (chapter)

  • The Conquest (1-12)

  • Joshua's Farewell (23-24)

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Key Verse: Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua 1:7)





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