Study · Name

Joshua

Joshua son of Nun is one of the Old Testament's greatest leaders — a military commander, a man of unshakeable faith, and a type of Christ embedded in the very meaning of his name. Originally called Hoshea ('salvation'), Moses renamed him Yehoshua — 'YHWH saves' — the same Hebrew root from which the Greek name Iesous (Jesus) derives (Numbers 13:16). Joshua first appears as a military leader in the battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim, where Israel prevailed as long as Moses' arms were raised (Exodus 17). He was one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, and he and Caleb alone returned with a report of faith rather than fear — earning them the privilege of entering the Promised Land when their faithless generation did not. After Moses' death, God commissioned Joshua with words that echo across the centuries: '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 1:9). He led Israel across the Jordan on dry ground, presided over the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls after seven days of marching and one great shout, and conquered and distributed the Promised Land among the twelve tribes. His farewell speech at Shechem concluded with the defining challenge: 'As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (Joshua 24:15).

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