Topical Bible: Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua

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Joshua, the son of Nun, stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, called to a special religious duty as the leader who would succeed Moses and guide the Israelites into the Promised Land. His call is marked by divine appointment, preparation, and a series of significant events that underscore his role in fulfilling God's covenant with Israel.

Divine Appointment and Commissioning

Joshua's call to leadership is first hinted at during the Exodus journey. As a young man, he served as Moses' assistant, gaining experience and insight into the responsibilities of leadership. His formal commissioning is recorded in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. In Numbers 27:18-20 , the LORD instructs Moses: "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of the Israelites will obey him."

This divine directive underscores Joshua's selection by God, not merely as a military leader but as a spiritual guide for the nation. His commissioning involves a public ceremony, emphasizing the transfer of authority and the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua.

Preparation and Training

Joshua's preparation for this special duty is evident throughout the Pentateuch. He is first introduced in Exodus 17:9-10 during the battle against the Amalekites, where he leads the Israelite forces to victory under Moses' command. This early experience in military leadership is crucial for his future role in the conquest of Canaan.

Moreover, Joshua's faithfulness and dedication are highlighted in his role as one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. In Numbers 14:6-9 , Joshua, along with Caleb, stands against the majority report, urging the Israelites to trust in God's promise: "The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us."

Leadership and Fulfillment of Duty

The Book of Joshua details the fulfillment of Joshua's call to lead Israel into the Promised Land. His leadership is characterized by obedience to God's commands, strategic military campaigns, and the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 1:6-9 records God's charge to Joshua, emphasizing strength, courage, and adherence to the Law: "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you."

Joshua's tenure as leader is marked by significant victories, such as the fall of Jericho and the defeat of the Canaanite kings. His leadership culminates in the covenant renewal at Shechem, where he challenges the people to serve the LORD faithfully, as recorded in Joshua 24:14-15 : "Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Throw away the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD."

Legacy and Impact

Joshua's call to special religious duty leaves a lasting legacy in Israel's history. His leadership not only secures the physical inheritance of the land but also reinforces the spiritual covenant between God and His people. Joshua's life exemplifies the qualities of faith, obedience, and dedication to God's purposes, serving as a model for future generations.

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Numbers 27:18,19,22,23
And the LORD said to Moses, Take you Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him;
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Deuteronomy 31:14,23
And the LORD said to Moses, Behold, your days approach that you must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.
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Joshua 1:1-9
Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
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Library

Covenanting a Duty.
... do proclaim it, does he not call upon them ... by his authority, no part of religious
duty is uninculcated ... and when faith is commanded without special reference to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... 24:15.) And God himself gives a special charge to ... had good servants because they
were religious masters, such as ... his wrath upon the families that call not upon ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... with the season meet for every other religious act ... distress, and the pangs of
bereavement, call for the ... urge us to those exercises of special solemn Covenanting ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... of those whom they look upon as the religious and pious. ... The history of the call
of St ... all so thoroughly Rabbinic that it is needless to make special references ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... a trade was regarded as almost a religious duty - but from the ... might waken the
remembrance of the Angelic call, to great ... it is this story of special favour' or ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... there is a call " a most imperious call " for all the ... your conduct in civil as well
as religious matters; and ... and the two first have been of special use in ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

The Reader Reminded How Much He Needs the Assistance of the Spirit ...
... art of conquering temptation, and of discharging duty. ... to God, and engaging in a
religious life, considering ... propriety, interpret it as a special call "to open ...
/.../chapter xv the reader reminded.htm

Deuteronomy
... The special relation between Israel and Jehovah was established ... a crisis as this
that would call out the ... externalism of being merely a religious programme by ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/deuteronomy.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... the work which had reference to a religious use might ... before you; and does not all
this call for serious ... a letter were read to one of special business, wherein ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... In Lent, if masquerades displease the town, Call them ridottos ... and was solemnised
in some churches with special sermons and religious services.[1049] On ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm