Topical Encyclopedia Joshua, a notable figure in the post-exilic period, served as the governor of Jerusalem during a critical time in the history of the Jewish people. His role is primarily documented in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple.Historical Context Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, in 538 BC, the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to their homeland after decades of captivity in Babylon. This period marked the beginning of the restoration of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish religious practices. Joshua, also known as Jeshua, was a key leader during this time, working alongside Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, to oversee the reconstruction efforts. Role and Responsibilities Joshua, the son of Jozadak, was a high priest and played a significant role in the spiritual and civic leadership of the Jewish community. As a governor, he was instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple, which was a central focus for the returning exiles. The book of Ezra highlights his leadership in laying the foundation of the temple: "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God" (Ezra 3:2). Joshua's leadership extended beyond the physical reconstruction of the temple. He was also pivotal in re-establishing the religious practices and laws that defined Jewish identity. His efforts were crucial in restoring the sacrificial system and the observance of the feasts, which had been neglected during the years of exile. Challenges and Opposition The rebuilding efforts faced significant opposition from surrounding peoples who were hostile to the re-establishment of a strong Jewish presence in Jerusalem. Despite these challenges, Joshua remained steadfast in his mission. The book of Nehemiah records various instances of opposition and the strategies employed by the Jewish leaders to overcome them. Joshua's leadership, in collaboration with other leaders like Nehemiah, was vital in ensuring the continuation of the work despite these adversities. Spiritual Significance Joshua's role as a high priest and governor is also seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would fulfill both kingly and priestly roles. The prophet Zechariah, a contemporary of Joshua, delivered a series of visions that included a symbolic crowning of Joshua, pointing to the future unification of the priestly and royal offices in the person of Jesus Christ. Zechariah 6:11-13 states, "Take silver and gold, make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD, and He will be clothed in majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be harmony between the two.’" Legacy Joshua's legacy is one of faithfulness and dedication to God's purposes during a pivotal time in Jewish history. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people and the re-establishment of Jerusalem as the center of Jewish worship. His life and work continue to be a testament to the importance of godly leadership and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:8And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and broke down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city. Nave's Topical Index Library Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70 Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... The Old Testament and Archeology The Rebuilding of the Temple. How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ... The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Brave Encouragements The Sanhedrim in Session. "The Prophets of God Helping Them" Resources Who was the commander of the army of the LORD in Joshua 5:14? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Joshua and Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Joshua | GotQuestions.org Joshua: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Joshua: A Governor of Jerusalem Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: 48 Cities for the Levites Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: A Religious Zealot Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Age of, at Death Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Allots the Land Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: At Ai Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: At Gibeon Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: At Hazor Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: At the Defeat of the Amalekites Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Besieges and Captures Jericho Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Captures Ai Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Completes the Conquest of the Whole Land Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Conquers Hazor Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Death and Burial of Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Defeats Seven Other Kings Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Divinely Inspired Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Esteem With Which he Was Held Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Exhortation of, Before his Death Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Faith of Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: His Portion of the Land Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Intimately Associated With Moses Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Leads the People Into the Land of Canaan Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: List of the Kings Whom Joshua Struck Down Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Favorable Report Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Makes a Treaty With the Gibeonites Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Promises To Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Rewarded for his Courage and Fidelity Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Sent With Others to View the Promised Land Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Sets Apart Several Cities of Refuge Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Sets the Tabernacle up at Shiloh Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Son of Nun Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: The Six Kings Make War Upon the Gibeonites Joshua: Also Called Jeshua: Assists Zerubbabel in Restoring the Temple Joshua: Also Called Jeshua: The High Priest of the Captivity Joshua: Commissioned, Ordained, and Charged With the Responsibilites of Moses' office Joshua: His Life Miraculously Preserved when he Made a Favorable Report About the Land Joshua: Survives the Israelites Who Refused to Enter the Promised Land Joshua: Symbolical of the Restoration of God's People Joshua: The Kings of the Six Nations of the Canaanites Band Together Against Him Magnanimity: Joshua and the Elders of Israel to the Gibeonites Who had Deceived the Israelites Sarcasm: Joshua to the Descendants of Joseph Related Terms Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) |
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