Joshua, the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim, was Moses’ assistant according to the books of Exodus and Numbers. His name was Hoshea but Moses called him “Yehoshua.” He was born in Egypt prior to the Exodus. He was one of the twelve spies of Israel sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.
After the death of Moses, God chose him to take his place and he became the leader of the Israelite tribes. As Moses was the best man capable to stand before Pharaoh, this godly man was the best man fit to stand before the Canaanites. He led the Israelite tribes in the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 13:1,2), and allocated lands to the tribes. He died at the age of 110 (Josh. 24:29).
Why Did God Choose Joshua?
(1) He was a faithful and obedient man. Therefore, Moses said to him, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek” (Exodus 17:9.10 also Numbers 13:2, 3, 8).
(2) He was a man of faith. He and Caleb stood alone for an unpopular cause. This was seen in the incident of the twelve spies that were sent to spy Canaan. Only he and Caleb showed unwavering faith in God and they exhorted the people to trust in God’s power.
“But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them” (Numbers 14:6–9).
(3) He had a natural capacity for military affairs. The Scripture tells us that he “took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had said to Moses;” and he “gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Then the land rested from war” (Josh. 11:23; 14:5).
(4) He was a godly spiritual leader. This was shown when he ruled Israel. The Scripture tells us that Israel served the LORD all during his days, and all the days of the elders who outlived him, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel” (Josh. 24:31).
(5) He was a man of decision and a leader. He exhorted the Israelites saying, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
Joshua’s quiet, unpretending godliness, and faithfulness was evidence to his ability to succeed Moses. As he depended wholly on God, the conquest of Canaan succeeded and the nation of Israel prospered. God often works through human agencies, equipped as leaders by experience yet at the same time meek and obedient to His good will.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
