Topical Bible: Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: His Portion of the Land

◄ Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: His Portion of the Land ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joshua, a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, is renowned as the successor to Moses and the leader who guided the Israelites into the Promised Land. His name, originally Oshea (meaning "salvation"), was changed by Moses to Joshua (Yehoshua in Hebrew), meaning "The LORD is salvation" (Numbers 13:16). This change signifies his divinely appointed role in the deliverance and establishment of Israel in Canaan.

Background and Leadership

Joshua was the son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephraim. He first appears in the biblical narrative as a military leader, chosen by Moses to lead the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9-13). His faithfulness and dedication are further highlighted when he, along with Caleb, was one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan. Unlike the other spies, Joshua and Caleb trusted in God's promise and encouraged the Israelites to take possession of the land (Numbers 14:6-9).

Following Moses' death, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites. The LORD commanded him, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). Joshua's leadership is marked by his unwavering faith and obedience to God's commands, as he led the Israelites across the Jordan River and orchestrated the conquest of Canaan.

Conquest and Division of the Land

The Book of Joshua details the military campaigns and the subsequent division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joshua's strategic and spiritual leadership was instrumental in the fall of Jericho, Ai, and other key cities. His reliance on divine guidance is evident in the miraculous events that accompanied the conquest, such as the collapse of Jericho's walls (Joshua 6:20) and the sun standing still at Gibeon (Joshua 10:12-14).

After the land was subdued, Joshua oversaw its division among the tribes. The LORD instructed him to allocate the territories, ensuring each tribe received its inheritance. Joshua's own portion was in the hill country of Ephraim, where he built the city of Timnath-serah (Joshua 19:49-50). This allocation was a testament to his humility and service, as he waited until all the tribes had received their inheritance before claiming his own.

Legacy and Influence

Joshua's legacy is one of faithfulness and dedication to God's covenant. His leadership established a foundation for the Israelites in the Promised Land, and his life serves as a model of obedience and trust in divine promises. The closing chapters of the Book of Joshua emphasize his role in renewing the covenant at Shechem, where he famously declared, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).

Joshua's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as he is remembered as a type of Christ, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance and rest found in Jesus. His account is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of steadfastness in the face of challenges.

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Joshua 19:49,50
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:
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