Joshua

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yehoshuaʿ (“Yahweh is salvation”), highlighting the LORD as deliverer.
• Period/Era: Post-Exilic
• Main References: Exodus 17; Numbers 13–14; Deuteronomy 31; Joshua 1–24
• Key Connections: Son of Nun (tribe of Ephraim); assistant and successor of Moses; leader of Israel under the Sinai covenant.

Who was Joshua?

Joshua was Moses’ appointed successor who led Israel after Moses’ death.
He first appears as a military commander against Amalek and later as one of the twelve spies.
Commissioned by the LORD through Moses, he guided Israel into Canaan and oversaw covenant reaffirmation at Shechem.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Led Israel in battle against Amalek while Moses’ hands were raised (Exodus 17:8–13).
• Event 2: With Caleb, gave a faithful report after spying out Canaan and urged trust in the LORD (Numbers 14:6–9).
• Event 3: Directed the Jordan crossing and subsequent conquest/land allotment, culminating in covenant renewal (Joshua 3–4; 11–21; 24).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Joshua’s leadership presents covenant fidelity expressed through obedience to the LORD’s command in Israel’s settlement of the promised land.

Key Verse

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9, ESV