Joshua

Book Introduction

Joshua wrote the book except for the end, which Phineas may have written. The setting is about 1406 BC, and the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

Joshua first showed up in Exodus 17:9 as Moses’ aide.  Moses chose him to assemble men to war against Amalek.  He was then near Moses at the mountain of God and the Israelite journey.  In Numbers 13:8, Moses selected a spy from each tribe, and he selected Hoshea, son of Nun.  In verse 16, Moses changed Hoshea’s name to Joshua.  Joshua and Caleb were the only two spies returning from the Promised Land with a positive report.  Joshua served under Moses and was now called to be the leader of the Israelites.  Joshua was 90 years old at this time.  Joshua means "Jehovah saves" or "The Lord is salvation.”  Joshua corresponds with the New Testament name Jesus. 

The book is divided into three sections: entering the Promised Land, conquering the Promised Land, and dividing the Promised Land. The people entering the land are a new generation. There are great lessons in victory and living a victorious life serving God. Because we are sojourners, we are sometimes patient to the point of living as prisoners of war. 

Joshua is strong and courageous and goes on offense.  Coming out of Egypt was one step, but crossing the Jordan was entirely different.  Joshua was chosen for this task of leading God's people.  He had been prepared by God for this purpose. 

There are some interesting typologies in the lives of Moses and Joshua.  Moses represented the law.  From this side of the cross, we know that righteousness wasn't found in the law, but the law brought us to the knowledge of our need for a savior.  Moses (the law) could lead people to the promise, but the law couldn't deliver them.  Yeshua (Joshua) led the people to the promise.  For the sinful human (all of us; Romans 3:23) who understand their sinful nature, there is a two-part process: deliverance from the bondage of sin and receiving the promise.  Entering the Promised Land was a life of warfare. 

While these were real people in a real-life situation, we can also see ourselves modeled by the children of Israel. Joshua is a type or model of Christ. We look at the Israelites and ask how they were so unfaithful. But, on closer inspection, we can actually see ourselves in similar struggles born of the sinful human heart.

©2006 Doug Ford, revised and updated 2008, 2015, 2024