Joshua, the son of Nun, was born into Egyptian slavery and rose to become Moses’ faithful successor. His name, originally Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” was changed by Moses to Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” Numbers 13:16 . He belonged to the tribe of Ephraim and first appeared in Scripture as the military commander chosen by Moses to lead Israel against Amalek at Rephidim. But Israel’s victory came only while Moses held up his hands, showing that the battle belonged to the Lord Exodus 17:9-13 . He also served as Moses’ assistant, accompanying him up Mount Sinai and remaining in the tent of meeting where God spoke with Moses Exodus 24:13 Exodus 33:11 .

Joshua was also one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan and, along with Caleb, brought back a faithful report urging Israel to trust in the Lord’s promise Numbers 14:6-30 . Because of their faith, only Joshua and Caleb were permitted to enter the Promised Land from their generation. Before Moses’ death, the Lord commanded him to appoint Joshua as his successor, a man filled with the Spirit, who would shepherd God’s people and lead them into the land Numbers 27:18-23 .

After Moses died, God confirmed Joshua’s calling and instructed him to lead Israel with strength and courage, meditating on the Book of the Law day and night Joshua 1:1-9 . He crossed the Jordan River with the people as the waters stopped and dry ground appeared, just as they had at the Red Sea Joshua 3:14-17 . At Gilgal, they celebrated the Passover and renewed their covenant with God Joshua 5:10-12 .

Joshua led the people in the conquest of Canaan, beginning with Jericho, where he followed the Lord’s unusual instructions and saw the walls fall Joshua 6:1-21 . At Ai, however, Israel acted presumptuously and suffered defeat due to Achan’s hidden sin and the absence of God’s command Joshua 7:1-26 . These events taught that success comes when God sets the agenda, not when man does. Joshua later made a covenant with the Gibeonites without consulting the Lord, but he honored it nonetheless Joshua 9:14-27 . At Gibeon, the Lord fought for Israel, even stopping the sun to secure victory Joshua 10:12-14 .

Through campaigns in the south and north, Joshua subdued thirty-one kings Joshua 12:24 . He then oversaw the division of the land and the fulfillment of the assigned inheritances of the tribes, appointing cities of refuge, and granting towns to the Levites Joshua 20:1-9 Joshua 21:1-45 . At Shechem, he led Israel in renewing their covenant with the Lord Joshua 24:14-30 . Before his death, Joshua challenged the people to choose whom they would serve and declared that he and his house would serve the Lord. He died at 110 years old and was buried in his inheritance at Timnath-serah.

Though not perfect, Joshua’s faith was bold and unwavering. He trusted God’s promises when others feared giants. His leadership fulfilled the promise made to Abraham and completed what began in Egypt. Joshua’s life points to the greater Joshua, Jesus, who delivers from sin and leads His people into eternal rest in a new Promised Land Hebrews 4:8-10 .