Topical Bible: Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Defeats Seven Other Kings

◄ Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Defeats Seven Other Kings ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joshua, known also as Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, and Oshea, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, renowned for his leadership and military prowess. He is the successor to Moses and the leader of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. His name, Joshua, means "The LORD is salvation," reflecting his role in leading the Israelites to victory and securing the Promised Land.

Background and Early Life

Joshua first appears in the biblical narrative as a young man serving as Moses' assistant. Originally named Hoshea, meaning "salvation," Moses renames him Joshua (Numbers 13:16). He is from the tribe of Ephraim and is one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan. Alongside Caleb, Joshua is one of the two spies who bring back a positive report, demonstrating faith in God's promise despite the formidable inhabitants of the land (Numbers 14:6-9).

Leadership and Conquest

After Moses' death, Joshua assumes leadership of the Israelites. God commissions him to lead the people into the Promised Land, assuring him of His presence and urging him to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-9). Joshua's leadership is marked by his unwavering faith and obedience to God's commands.

Defeat of Seven Kings

One of Joshua's significant military campaigns is the defeat of a coalition of seven kings. This event is detailed in the Book of Joshua, chapters 10 and 12. The kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon, Gezer, and Debir form an alliance to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. In response, Joshua leads a surprise attack against them.

The LORD intervenes miraculously in the battle, as recorded in Joshua 10:11-14 : "As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. 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 God's direct involvement in the battle, affirming His promise to fight for Israel. The victory over these kings is a testament to Joshua's faith and God's faithfulness.

Legacy

Joshua's defeat of the seven kings is part of a broader campaign that sees the Israelites taking possession of much of Canaan. His leadership is characterized by strategic acumen, reliance on divine guidance, and a commitment to fulfilling God's covenant promises. Joshua's victories pave the way for the distribution of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel, establishing a foundation for the nation's future.

Joshua's account is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God's power in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. His life and leadership continue to inspire believers to trust in God's promises and to act courageously in the face of adversity.

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Joshua 10:28-43
And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did to the king of Jericho.
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