Topical Bible: Israel: Joshua Appointed the Leader

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The appointment of Joshua as the leader of Israel marks a significant transition in the biblical narrative, as it signifies the end of Moses' leadership and the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites. This event is pivotal in the history of Israel, as it sets the stage for the conquest of Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Background and Context

Joshua, the son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephraim, first appears in the biblical narrative as a military leader and a faithful assistant to Moses. He is introduced during the battle against the Amalekites, where he leads the Israelite forces to victory (Exodus 17:9-13). Joshua's loyalty and dedication to Moses are further demonstrated when he accompanies Moses partway up Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:13) and when he stands guard at the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 33:11).

Joshua's faithfulness is also evident in the account of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. Along with Caleb, Joshua is one of the two spies who bring back a positive report and encourage the Israelites to trust in God's promise to give them the land (Numbers 14:6-9). This faith and trust in God set Joshua apart as a leader who is both courageous and reliant on divine guidance.

Divine Appointment

The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua is divinely orchestrated. In Numbers 27:18-23, God instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. The Lord says to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him" (Numbers 27:18). Moses is commanded to present Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly, commissioning him in their sight. This public endorsement ensures that the people recognize Joshua's authority and leadership.

The laying on of hands by Moses is a significant act, symbolizing the transfer of leadership and the conferring of authority. It also signifies the empowerment of Joshua by the Spirit of God, equipping him for the monumental task ahead.

Moses' Final Instructions

Before his death, Moses provides final instructions and encouragement to Joshua. In Deuteronomy 31:7-8, Moses addresses Joshua in the presence of all Israel, saying, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged" .

These words of encouragement emphasize the divine presence and support that will accompany Joshua as he leads the Israelites. Moses reassures Joshua that God's promises are steadfast and that he will not face the challenges of leadership alone.

Joshua's Leadership

Joshua's leadership is characterized by obedience to God's commands and a commitment to the covenant. In Joshua 1:1-9, the Lord speaks directly to Joshua, reaffirming the promise of the land and instructing him to be strong and courageous. The Lord commands Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night, ensuring that he leads the people according to God's statutes.

Joshua's leadership is marked by decisive action and faith in God's promises. He leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, orchestrates the conquest of Jericho, and oversees the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel. Throughout his leadership, Joshua remains faithful to the covenant, urging the people to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

The appointment of Joshua as the leader of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the continuity of His promises. Joshua's leadership exemplifies the qualities of faith, courage, and obedience, serving as a model for future generations. His role in the history of Israel underscores the importance of divine guidance and the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises.

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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 31:23
And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you.
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Library

The New Leaders Commission
... but the transmitters of His orders and His aids to Israel. ... armies; what must it have
been, then, for Joshua and his ... do see that the path is one appointed by God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new leaders commission.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... word of the Lord by the hand of Moses." (Joshua 22:9 ... And they were to prove Israel
by them ... of life or death, were not recorded by God's appointed leader, whom he ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... (2) To rebel against God's appointed leaders and ... (8) The principal events of Israel's
past history ... 13) Other prominent leaders besides Moses, Aaron and Joshua. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... and the substitution of his brother Joshua, Jesus, or ... Chasidim represented the pious'
in Israel - of course ... of a Jewish deputation, and appointed their leader ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The First Kings.
... the deliverer and lawgiver of Israel, and Joshua the great ... of the battle-field; and
men were appointed by monarchs ... place for the human king of Israel to fill. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Altar and Temple
... of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites ... is good, for His mercy
endureth for ever toward Israel. ... His name recalls the other Joshua, likewise a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us!
... as they that must give account." God's appointed watchmen, to ... And Joshua discomfited
Amalek and his people.". ... incident in the history of ancient Israel has been ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/x the preachers crypray for.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... He was born at an appointed time ... as had not been on any king before him in Israel"
(I:Chron ... who served for a Wife; Aaron as the great High Priest; Joshua as the ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... And Michael, the appointed guard of the grave, as ... fifteen judges ("principes") from
Joshua to Samuel, and three ... nineteen" are the kings of Israel from Jeroboam ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

The True Sign
... When in the days of Joshua Israel went out to battle ... the sun had stood still at the
leader's command until ... for an easier way than God has appointed that leads ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm