Joshua J-1
Introduction
Joshua For me personally, Joshua was an Old Testament hero that I always admired. He was Moses’ right arm, his wingman, his military leader and a quiet man of faith. He lived and ruled Israel during some spectacular events of Israel’s history: captivity in Egypt, the 10 Plagues, the Exodus, the Red Sea crossing, the 40 years in the Wilderness and the conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua deals with “faithfulness in the midst of struggle.” Joshua was born a slave in Egypt. At the age of 40, he was one of the two spies that survived to enter the Promised Land. Upon Moses’ death, Joshua was God’s choice of leadership for the conquest of the Promised Land. My confirmation verse: Joshua 1:9 The movie classic, “The Ten Commandments” gives us great Joshua insights.
Joshua the Man Joshua was a quiet and faithful leader, with a warrior’s heart. Movie, “10 Commandments” How was Joshua depicted? Joshua’s name means “the Lord saves.” He was the son of Nun. (Numbers 13:8) He died at the age of 110 years in 1427BC. Joshua was chosen from the tribe of Ephraim to represent his tribe as a spy of Canaan. When 10 spies reported that God was leading them into the land of giants, and that conquest was impossible, only Joshua and Caleb trusted in God’s promise. Their report was that it was a “good land, flowing with milk and honey, and with God’s help, they would have it! (Numbers 14:4-10)
Joshua the Warrior (Exodus 17:8-13) Joshua led the armies of Israel against the Amalekites. God was showing the Israelites how they needed to rely on him. They were merely wandering nomads and yet, with God’s blessing, they overcame standing and well-equipped armies and fortified cities. Joshua commanded the army and led the fighting.
Joshua the Successor to Moses Joshua demonstrated great faith in the Lord. He also demonstrated loyalty to Moses by becoming his “aide” and God’s chosen “successor.” (Deuteronomy 1:38) God chose Joshua to succeed Moses in Deuteronomy 31:1-8. “Be strong and courageous” is the phrase connected to Joshua, and he was! The death of Moses is described in Deuteronomy 34:1-12. Verse nine installs Joshua as God’s appointed leader.