Joshua was Moses' assistant and successor, who led Israel into and settled them in the promised land, known for steadfast faith and loyalty to God.
Books
Life & Story
Joshua first appeared during the wilderness period as a trusted aide to Moses among the Israelites. When the Amalekites fought against Israel in the wilderness, Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and go out to battle, while Moses himself would stand on the hilltop with the rod of God in his hand—thus Joshua was first entrusted with military leadership. He then served closely alongside Moses, accompanying him up Mount Sinai to receive divine revelation and the transmission of the law. As Moses' life drew to a close, God personally appointed Joshua as his successor, commanding him to be strong and resolute, not to be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord his God would be with him wherever he went. This repeated charge became the defining mark of his entire leadership. After Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan, conquered fortified cities such as Jericho, and gradually took and allotted the land of Canaan so that the tribes of Israel could settle in their inheritance. He was not only a military leader but also a spiritual one; after leading the people into covenant with God, he issued a solemn charge to the whole nation: if it seemed evil to them to serve the Lord, they could choose whom they would serve, but as for him and his house, they would serve the Lord. Joshua's life stands as a model of faith and obedience, and his account opens the Nevi'im, the Prophets section of the Hebrew Bible, carrying forward the history of redemption revealed through God's prophets and leaders.