Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim, a descendant of Jacob’s son Joseph (who had two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh). Joshua was among the 12 spies sent into Canaan to spy out the Land before the Israelites entered. Though Israel rebelled, Joshua was one of the two faithful spies who encouraged the nation to enter the Land.
His original name Hoshea means “he saves”. Moses changed Hoshea’s name to “Joshua” meaning “The Lord Saves” or “Yahweh Saves”.
Joshua was an assistant to Moses and became the human leader of Israel after the death of Moses, as God commanded. Later, Joshua led the Israelites to trust in God through their initial conquest of the Land of Canaan. The Israelites’ conquering of the fortified city of Jericho was first among many miraculous victories that God granted Joshua over the inhabitants of Canaan. When Israel possessed much of the Promised Land, Joshua oversaw territorial divisions among the 12 tribes.
The people of Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua. Joshua fulfilled the roles of faithful leader, commander of military forces, spy, and spiritual encourager.
Key verses: Numbers 14:6-9. Joshua 1:8,9; 6:2. Hebrews 11:30. Joshua 24:14,15
