In brief
Joshua is the servant of Moses, chosen by God to lead Israel into the promised land after Moses' death. God tells him to be strong and courageous and to meditate on the law. He leads the people across the Jordan, sees the walls of Jericho fall and divides the land among the tribes. At the end of his life, he calls Israel to choose: he and his house will serve the Lord.
What does the name Joshua mean?
His name is generally linked to the phrase "the Lord saves," which is also the origin of the name Jesus. Numbers 13:16 says that Moses gave this name to Hoshea, son of Nun.
The story of Joshua
The New Leader
Joshua 1:1-9After Moses' death, the Lord speaks to Joshua, son of Nun, and orders him to cross the Jordan with the people. He promises him his presence, as he had with Moses. God tells him to be strong and courageous and to meditate on the law day and night, so that he may succeed in all he does.
Crossing the Jordan
Joshua 3:1-17The people follow the ark of the covenant. As soon as the priests who carry it step into the waters of the Jordan, the waters stop and rise up in a heap. All Israel crosses on dry ground, and the priests stand in the middle of the river until all the people have passed over.
The Fall of Jericho
Joshua 6:1-27God orders them to march around Jericho for six days, then seven times on the seventh day, with trumpets. At the signal, the people give a great shout and the walls collapse. Rahab, who had hidden the spies, is spared with her family. Joshua's fame spreads throughout the land.
The Renewal of the Covenant
Joshua 24:1-28At Shechem, Joshua gathers the tribes and recalls what God has done for them since Abraham. He invites them to put away foreign gods and to choose whom they will serve. He himself declares that he and his house will serve the Lord. The people promise to do the same, and Joshua seals the covenant.
The Death of Joshua
Joshua 24:29-33After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, dies at the age of one hundred and ten. He is buried on his own land, at Timnath-serah. Israel serves the Lord all his days and all the days of the elders who outlived him and who knew the works of the Lord.
What Joshua teaches us
- God who calls promises his presence: Joshua does not go forward alone, despite the size of the task.
- Success in the Bible rests on meditating on the Word and on obedience, not on strength alone.
- Faith steps forward to see God act: the waters stop when the feet enter the Jordan.
- Each of us must choose whom we serve, and a leader can commit his household to the Lord.
Key verses
God commands him to be strong and courageous, not afraid or dismayed, for the Lord his God is with him wherever he goes. This verse sums up Joshua's call.
As soon as the priests touch the water of the Jordan, the waters from upstream stop and the people cross opposite Jericho. Faith is expressed here by a step of obedience.
Joshua invites Israel to choose whom to serve, then declares that he and his house will serve the Lord. It is a call to decide personally and for one's family.
Sermons about Joshua
- Joshua 3: Crossing the Jordan When the Obstacle Seems Too BigA sermon on crossing the Jordan, when the obstacle seems too big.
- The Heart of Joshua: Healing in Order to InheritA sermon on the heart of Joshua and the path of healing to receive your inheritance.
- Joshua 4: Stones to Remember What God Has DoneA sermon on the memorial stones set up after the crossing of the Jordan.
- Joshua's Mission: What True Success Looks Like to GodA sermon on the mission of Joshua and true success according to God.
Frequently asked questions
Why did God choose Joshua?
Joshua served Moses for a long time and was faithful to him. God appoints him as successor and promises his presence: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” The choice rests on God's grace and on the faithfulness of his servant.
What does the name Joshua mean?
His name is generally linked to the phrase "the Lord saves." Numbers 13:16 states that Moses called Hoshea, son of Nun, by the name Joshua. It is also the root of the name Jesus.
Where can I find the story of Joshua in the Bible?
It fills the whole book of Joshua. He already appears in Exodus 17 against Amalek, in Numbers 13 and 14 among the spies, then in Numbers 27 and Deuteronomy 31, where he is charged with succeeding Moses.