Joshua (Christ typology)

Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23; Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Book of Joshua)

Joshua, whose earlier name was Hoshea, was one of the twelve spies that Moses sent to “explore the land of Canaan.” Only he and Caleb encouraged the people to trust God and take possession of the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham. When Moses died, Joshua became the leader who brought Israel into the land of Canaan.

Joshua’s army was armed for physical battle, but followers of Jesus Christ are armed for spiritual battle.

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JOSHUA / CHRIST (Typology)

• Joshua’s name is the same name as Jesus: “Yehoshua,” or “Yeshua” for short, means “The LORD saves.” / Jesus’ name if the Greek form of the name Yeshua. Like Joshua, Jesus led His people into salvation, yet in a greater sense of eternal life.

• Joshua was God’s prophetic leader who stepped into Moses’ shoes (Joshua 1:1-9). / Jesus fulfilled Moses’ prophecy: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you…” (Deuteronomy 18:15; see also, Acts 3:22-23).

• Joshua parted the Jordan river so that Israel could cross over (Joshua 3:7-17). / Jesus walked on water and called others to come over to him (Matthew 14:25-29).

• Joshua led God’s people into the Promised Land, the inheritance God promised to Abraham (Joshua 1:2-3). / Jesus leads God’s people into the Promised Land, his inheritance (Matthew 25:34, Ephesians 1:13-14).

• Joshua’s army pulled down earthly strongholds (Joshua 6). / Jesus’ army pulls down spiritual strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

• Joshua’s army was arrayed in earthly armor (Joshua 6:9). / Jesus’ army is arrayed in spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-17).

• Joshua described himself as God’s servant (Joshua 24:15). / Jesus described Himself as a servant (Luke 22:27; John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:7).

• Joshua led God’s people to rest in the Promised Land (Joshua 21:44). / Jesus’ followers are led into rest in this new creation (Hebrews 4:1).

Category: Typology