Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Joshua

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The role of the Holy Spirit in the inspiration and empowerment of biblical figures is a significant theme throughout Scripture. In the case of Joshua, the successor of Moses and leader of the Israelites into the Promised Land, the Holy Spirit's influence is evident in several key aspects of his life and leadership.

Appointment and Commissioning

Joshua, the son of Nun, is first introduced as a military leader and assistant to Moses. His appointment as Moses' successor is marked by the divine endorsement and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Numbers 27:18, the LORD instructs Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him." This passage highlights that Joshua was already recognized as having the Spirit within him, indicating divine preparation for his future role.

Wisdom and Leadership

The Holy Spirit's inspiration is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 34:9: "Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses." The "spirit of wisdom" granted to Joshua is a direct result of the Holy Spirit's work, equipping him with the necessary discernment and understanding to lead the people effectively.

Courage and Faith

Joshua's leadership is characterized by remarkable courage and faith, attributes that are often associated with the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. In Joshua 1:5-6, God promises Joshua, "No man shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 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." The assurance of God's presence, often manifested through the Holy Spirit, emboldens Joshua to undertake the daunting task of conquering Canaan.

Guidance and Strategy

The Holy Spirit's role in providing guidance and strategy is evident in Joshua's military campaigns. In Joshua 6, the unconventional strategy for the conquest of Jericho—marching around the city for seven days—demonstrates divine guidance that transcends human wisdom. The success of this strategy underscores the belief that Joshua was led by the Spirit in executing God's plans.

Faithfulness to God's Law

Joshua's commitment to the Law of Moses is another aspect of his leadership influenced by the Holy Spirit. In Joshua 1:7-8, God commands him, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." The Spirit's role in enabling Joshua to adhere to the law is implicit in his unwavering dedication to God's commands.

Conclusion

The inspiration of Joshua by the Holy Spirit is a testament to the Spirit's active role in equipping and guiding leaders according to God's purposes. Through wisdom, courage, strategic insight, and faithfulness to God's law, Joshua exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling divine mandates.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 27:18
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;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... After the apostles, therefore, no new inspiration, no greater ... in words which the
same Holy Spirit teacheth." (1 ... this God, this Lord, this Spirit, this faith ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... See under the Inspiration of the ... Bead carefully in this connection the story of Achan
(Joshua 7), and ... The Holy Spirit is seen as coming down upon this gathered ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

Names and External Form of the Old Testament
... to lie in the degree of inspiration, Moses enjoying ... classed among the prophets having
the Spirit of prophecy ... to the Hagiographa simply the Holy Spirit (the Holy ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiii names and external.htm

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... of the destruction of Sodom,"and of Joshua's address to ... Inspiration is not a difference
of degree, but of ... is filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit of God ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

Use of the Old Testament by the First Christian Writers, and by ...
... of a noun.(93) And as the inspiration of the ... written;"(119) and Baruch with, "the
Holy Spirit teaches by ... list:"the five books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, Ruth ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter v use of the.htm

Eldad and Medad
... It is true that Joshua exhibited some jealousy and suspicion, and would ... of operations,
though they are all under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; and if ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

Prologue.
... therefore, cometh not of tradition, but of inspiration; therefore keep ... So also Joshua
the son of Nun, when he ... habit of faith and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/prologue.htm

The Beginning and End of Wisdom
... As stout old Joshua said, 'Choose ye whom ye will ... souls were pure and full of the
Holy Spirit, and who ... I believe, from none other than the inspiration of the ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxii the beginning and.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... put into its present form after the death of Joshua, as some ... of the prophets at hand
which could furnish, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, both the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... she go back to the pure fount of inspiration and drink ... If the Holy Ghost will work
among us we shall ... When once the Spirit of God putteth forth His might all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm