Joshua, son of Nun, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his role as the successor to Moses and the leader of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. His account is primarily documented in the Book of Joshua, but he is also mentioned in other books such as Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Background and Early Life

Joshua was born in Egypt during the period of Israelite enslavement. He belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the two tribes descended from Joseph. His father, Nun, is mentioned in genealogical records, but little else is known about him. Joshua's original name was Hoshea, meaning "salvation," but Moses renamed him Joshua, meaning "The LORD is salvation" (Numbers 13:16).

Role as Moses' Assistant

Joshua first appears in the biblical narrative as a military leader. He led the Israelites in their first battle after the Exodus, defeating the Amalekites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-13). His leadership and faithfulness earned him a position as Moses' assistant, a role in which he served diligently. Joshua accompanied Moses partway up Mount Sinai and was present at the Tent of Meeting when Moses spoke with God (Exodus 24:13; 33:11).

The Twelve Spies

Joshua is perhaps best known for his role as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Along with Caleb, son of Jephunneh, Joshua brought back a positive report, encouraging the Israelites to trust in God's promise and take possession of the land (Numbers 14:6-9). Despite the negative reports from the other ten spies, Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness set them apart, and they were the only two from their generation permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30).

Leadership and Conquest of Canaan

After Moses' death, Joshua was appointed by God as the leader of the Israelites. God commanded him to be strong and courageous, promising His presence and support (Joshua 1:5-9). Joshua's leadership was marked by obedience to God's commands and a commitment to the covenant.

Under Joshua's command, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and began the conquest of Canaan. The fall of Jericho is one of the most notable events during this period, where the walls of the city collapsed after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, as instructed by God (Joshua 6:1-20). Joshua led the Israelites in numerous battles, securing victories over various Canaanite kings and territories.

Division of the Land

Once the land was subdued, Joshua oversaw the division of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. This allocation of land fulfilled the promises made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua's careful administration ensured that each tribe received its inheritance, as detailed in Joshua chapters 13-21.

Covenant Renewal and Final Exhortations

In his later years, Joshua gathered the Israelites at Shechem to renew their covenant with God. He reminded them of God's faithfulness and urged them to serve the LORD wholeheartedly, famously declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). This covenant renewal emphasized the importance of obedience and loyalty to God.

Death and Legacy

Joshua died at the age of 110 and was buried in the hill country of Ephraim (Joshua 24:29-30). His leadership left a lasting impact on the nation of Israel, as he successfully guided them into the Promised Land and established a foundation for their future as a people dedicated to God. Joshua's life exemplifies faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to God's commands, serving as an enduring model for believers.