The Promise of the Lord | Part Two

Joshua 1

Who was Joshua anyway? Glad you asked.

Joshua became Moses' attendant as either a boy or a young man (Numbers 11). He was known as Hosea before Moses started calling him Joshua, the Lord is salvation (Numbers 13:16). So, they were close.

We first meet him in Exodus 17 where he was chosen by Moses to lead a military defense, not long after Israel had crossed the Red Sea. Later, Joshua accompanied Moses up the mountain of God where Moses received the 10 commandments (Exodus 24:13). He was one of the 12 spies who originally scoped out the Promised Land. Only he and one other had the faith to enter after seeing the strength of their enemies (Numbers 13).

Joshua was a servant, a soldier, a scout, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom (Numbers 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9). He was a man who followed God fully (Numbers 32:12). He was Moses' right-hand man to the end.

Just as God used Moses to lead Israel out of slavery, He chose Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

Joshua was 110 years old when he died and most believe that the events in the book of Joshua span about 20 to 30 years (Joshua 24:29). This means that he was likely around 85 years old when God placed him in leadership over Israel.

He lived all of his adult life under the umbrella of Moses' leadership. He was the support guy, which is a comfortable place to be. His death stripped this blanket of security away, leaving him terrified at the task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. How do we know Joshua was scared?

- Deuteronomy 31:6: Moses says to Joshua privately, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble..."
- Deuteronomy 31:7-8: Moses says to Joshua in front of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous... Do not fear or be dismayed."
- Deuteronomy 31:23: Moses, as he commissions Joshua to succeed him, "Be strong and courageous..."
- Joshua 1:6: God says to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous..."
- Joshua 1:7: God repeats to Joshua, "Only be strong and courageous..."
- Joshua 1:9: God repeats to Joshua again, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed..."
- Joshua 1:18: Even Israel chimes in saying to Joshua, "[B]e strong and courageous."

Check back for Part 3 to see how the rest of the Bible extends the call to be strong and courageous to you and to me.