In the biblical narrative, the concept of the "hand" often symbolizes power, authority, and divine intervention. The life and leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses, provide numerous instances where the "hand" plays a significant role, both literally and metaphorically.

1. The Hand of Leadership:

Joshua, son of Nun, is introduced as a military leader and Moses' assistant. His leadership is marked by the laying on of hands, a symbolic act of transferring authority and blessing. In Numbers 27:18-23, the LORD instructs Moses to lay his hand on Joshua, signifying the transfer of leadership to him. This act is a divine endorsement of Joshua's role as the leader of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states, "So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses" (Numbers 27:22-23).

2. The Hand of God in Battle:

Joshua's military campaigns are marked by the visible hand of God, guiding and granting victory to the Israelites. One of the most notable instances is the battle of Jericho. In Joshua 6, the LORD gives Joshua specific instructions on how to conquer the city, emphasizing that the victory is not by human might but by divine intervention. The fall of Jericho's walls is a testament to the power of God's hand working through Joshua's obedience.

Another significant event is the battle against the Amorites, where Joshua commands the sun and moon to stand still. Joshua 10:12-14 records, "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." This miraculous event underscores the divine hand aiding Joshua in securing victory.

3. The Hand of Covenant and Promise:

Joshua's leadership is also characterized by the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The hand of God is evident in the allocation of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel. Joshua 21:43-45 highlights this fulfillment: "So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them, for the LORD had delivered all their enemies into their hands."

4. The Hand of Obedience and Faithfulness:

Joshua's life exemplifies obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. His farewell address to the Israelites in Joshua 23 and 24 emphasizes the importance of clinging to the LORD and serving Him wholeheartedly. Joshua 24:15 famously declares, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua's steadfastness is a model of how the hand of a leader should guide the people in faithfulness to God.

In summary, the "hand" in the context of Joshua represents divine empowerment, leadership, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Joshua's life and actions demonstrate how the hand of God works through human agency to accomplish His divine purposes.Numbers 27:18-23
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 34:9
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands on him: and the children of Israel listened to him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
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The Captain of the Lord's Host.
... As Joshua was alone at this time, near Jericho, he looked up, and saw a
man standing with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/the captain of the lords.htm

The History of Joshua
... And our Lord, when he fought, sent down such hail-stones that slew more of his enemies
with the stones than with man's hand. Joshua was a noble man and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of joshua.htm

Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley.
... JOSHUA PRIESTLEY. ... If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall ...
/.../inconsideration deplored rev joshua priestley.htm

Ecdippa. Achzib. Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31 Climax of the Tyrians.
... Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31. Climax of the Tyrians. "Travelling from Acon to Achzib,
on the right hand of the way, eastwardly, it is clean, from the notion of ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 65 ecdippa achzib joshua.htm

Joshua and the Angel
... Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of the Saviour. ... with Me; and he
shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The promise given to Joshua is given ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

Faith and Courage.
... As he walked around he saw a man stand before him with a drawn sword in his hand.
Joshua was not afraid, but he said: "Art thou for us or for our adversaries ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

Justice Should be Observed Even in War and with Enemies. ...
... On the other hand, Joshua did not attack the Gibeonites, who had tried the people
of our fathers with guile rather than with war, but punished them by laying ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxix justice should be.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... I shall stand on the top of the hill having the rod of God in my hand: Joshua
did as Moses commanded him, and fought against Amalek. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ...
... river." God, by Moses, carried the people through the Red Sea, making the water
a wall for them on the right hand and on the left, and by Joshua He carried ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the story of israel.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... 13. "By lot was their inheritance, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses."
(Joshua 14:2.). 14. "Speak unto the children of Israel ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

How can I see the hand of God moving in my life? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God? | GotQuestions.org

Hand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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