Topical Bible: Joshua: His Life Miraculously Preserved when he Made a Favorable Report About the Land

◄ Joshua: His Life Miraculously Preserved when he Made a Favorable Report About the Land ►

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Joshua, son of Nun, emerges as a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, particularly noted for his role as a faithful spy and leader of Israel. His life is marked by divine preservation and favor, especially during the critical episode of the exploration of Canaan.

Background and Context

Joshua first appears in the biblical account as a young assistant to Moses (Exodus 24:13). He is from the tribe of Ephraim and is known for his military prowess and deep faith in God. His name, originally Hoshea, meaning "salvation," is changed by Moses to Joshua, meaning "The LORD is salvation" (Numbers 13:16).

The Mission of the Twelve Spies

In Numbers 13, the LORD commands Moses to send twelve men, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan, which He has promised to the Israelites. Joshua is selected to represent the tribe of Ephraim. The spies are tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities.

The Report and Its Aftermath

After forty days of exploration, the spies return with a mixed report. They confirm the land's abundance, describing it as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies focus on the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities, inciting fear among the Israelites. They declare, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are" (Numbers 13:31).

In stark contrast, Joshua and Caleb, son of Jephunneh, present a favorable report. They urge the people to trust in God's promise, asserting, "The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us" (Numbers 14:7-8).

Divine Preservation

The congregation, swayed by the negative report, rebels against Moses and Aaron, threatening to stone Joshua and Caleb. In this moment of crisis, the glory of the LORD appears at the Tent of Meeting, intervening to protect His faithful servants (Numbers 14:10).

God's judgment falls upon the faithless generation, decreeing that none of the men who disbelieved would enter the Promised Land, except for Joshua and Caleb. The LORD declares, "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it" (Numbers 14:24). Joshua, by implication, shares in this promise due to his faithfulness.

Leadership and Legacy

Joshua's preservation is not only physical but also spiritual, as he is later appointed as Moses' successor. He leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham. His leadership is characterized by obedience to God's commands and a commitment to the covenant, as seen in the conquest of Jericho and the subsequent campaigns in Canaan.

Joshua's life exemplifies the rewards of faith and obedience. His favorable report and unwavering trust in God's promises set him apart as a model of faithfulness, ensuring his place in the biblical narrative as a leader who brought Israel into the fulfillment of God's promises.

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Numbers 14:10
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
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