Joshua

Joshua first appears in Scripture as a military commander, leading Israel's army in battle against the Amalekites while Moses held up his hands in prayer. Originally named Hoshea, Moses changed his name to Joshua, meaning 'The Lord saves' or 'The Lord is salvation'—a name that in Greek becomes 'Jesus,' foreshadowing the ultimate deliverer.

Joshua served as Moses' aide from his youth, accompanying him part way up Mount Sinai and staying at the tent of meeting after Moses left. He was one of twelve spies sent to scout Canaan, and along with Caleb, he brought back a good report, urging Israel to trust God and enter the land. When the people rebelled in fear, God condemned that generation to die in the wilderness, but Joshua and Caleb would enter the Promised Land.

For forty years, Joshua remained faithful during Israel's wilderness wandering. As Moses' death approached, God commanded Moses to commission Joshua publicly, and Moses laid hands on him, filling him with the spirit of wisdom. God directly commissioned Joshua, promising to be with him as He had been with Moses and commanding him to be strong and courageous, meditating on God's law day and night.

Joshua's leadership began dramatically with crossing the Jordan River. As the priests carrying the ark stepped into the flooded river, the waters stopped flowing and piled up in a heap, allowing all Israel to cross on dry ground—a miracle echoing the Red Sea crossing. Joshua set up memorial stones to remind future generations of God's faithfulness.

The conquest of Canaan demonstrated both God's power and the importance of obedience. At Jericho, Israel marched around the city for seven days following God's unusual battle plan. When they shouted, the walls collapsed, and Israel took the city. Yet at Ai, they were defeated because Achan had taken forbidden plunder from Jericho. Only after dealing with sin did God give them victory.

Joshua led Israel in a series of military campaigns, defeating coalition after coalition of Canaanite kings. God fought for Israel, even making the sun stand still at Gibeon so they could complete their victory. Yet Joshua also showed wisdom in making treaties and dividing the land among the tribes according to God's instructions.

Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered all Israel and challenged them to choose whom they would serve. His declaration became one of Scripture's most famous statements: 'As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.' The people recommitted themselves to serving God. Joshua died at 110 years old, having successfully led Israel into their inheritance and established them in the land. Under his leadership, Israel served the Lord faithfully.