Joshua Who Was Moses’ Successor

Did you know that Joshua blocked the sun to keep the day from setting?

Joshua did this because he was once at war with the Amalekites. They were running away from the battlefield while Joshua wanted to defeat them in battle. It was necessary for him to have the sun because in darkness this victory could turn into defeat. Therefore, with the help of God, he stopped the sun and the day lasted until Joshua defeated the Amalekites.

Introduction

Moses had a disciple whose name was Joshua, originally his name was Hoshea but Moses gave him the name Joshua, after Moses Joshua became his successor and took the responsibility of leading the Israelites. His task was to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan to destroy the nations there and fight against them. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites were to fight for the land (which was promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Joshua was a man of great strength and faith who kept the children of Israel together.

Verse

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” (Joshua 1:1-2)

Early Life of Joshua

The name Joshua was given to Hoshea by Moses which meant God’s salvation. Joshua belonged to Ephraim. He was a disciple of Moses. When Moses sent spies to the land of Canaan, one of the spies was named Joshua. He was a very brave and courageous person. Impressed by his faith and bravery, Moses chose him as his successor. Joshua was born into slavery and joined Moses in the Exodus. Joshua led the Israelites after Moses.

Verse

“From the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun” (Numbers 13:8)

“These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land. (Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.)” (Numbers 13:16)

Jericho Conquest

The first victory in Canaan was when Joshua gathered his army around Jericho. God told Joshua to march for seven days. Around Jericho Joshua told his army to do the same. They marched there for seven days and then raised a shout at God’s command. From which the wall of Jericho fell. After that, Jericho came under the control of Joshua. This was Joshua’s first victory in the land of Canaan and it was due to God’s miracle and Joshua’s faith.

Verse

“Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (Joshua 6:1-5)

Strong Faith of Joshua

Victory in war is impossible without God’s help, this was Joshua’s belief. He gave importance to strategy as well as God’s orders because according to him, it is impossible to win a war without God’s help. Joshua had great faith in God, which led him to win battles. He followed God’s instructions at every step and exhorted the Israelites to do the same. Joshua was a man of great faith and a great example for the rest of the people.

Verse

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9)

Division of Land

Joshua was a very righteous, brave and just person. After the conquest of Canaan, he divided the land equally among the 12 tribes of Israel. Justice was very important to him. He distributed the land to all justly by God’s order and gave specific areas to each tribe so that they could settle there and worship and spread the word of God. After that, each tribe became strong in each region, fulfilling God’s promise.

Verse

Reference: (Joshua 18:1-10)

Death of Joshua

The Israelites had failed once. When Moses went away from the city to speak to God, they accepted the calf as God. Because of which many troubles came upon them and their faith became weak. Fearing this, Joshua advised them that God has given you the land of Canaan according to His promise. Now it is the task of the Israelites to understand, act and convey God’s messages to the people. Do not worship any false god. After that he passed away. He was 110 years old at the time of his death and was buried in the land of Canaan. After Joshua’s advice, the Israelites followed it and did not repeat history and always followed God’s commands.

Verse

“After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.” (Joshua 24:29-31)

Conclusion

Joshua’s life is an example for us that if a work is done with full faith in God, then it will be fulfilled. Joshua’s life is based on bravery and justice. Believing in God, Joshua won many battles and also conquered the promised land, Canaan. Joshua is an important example for the Christian and Jewish community.

Verse

“Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now. “The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:6-11)