Joshua

Identity

Joshua the son of Nun is the servant and successor of Moses. It was Joshua who led Israel across the Jordan on dry ground, whose name in Hebrew ('Yeho-shua', 'the LORD is salvation') is the same name that appears in Greek as 'Jesus.' The Book of Joshua and Joshua 24 take their name from him.

Name and titles

'Joshua' — Yehoshua — means 'The LORD is salvation' or 'The LORD saves.' The name is identical (in Aramaic-Greek form 'Yeshua/Iesous') to the name 'Jesus' — a fact the Fathers noted with wonder. Scripture calls him 'the son of Nun' and 'the minister of Moses' (Exodus 24:13; Joshua 1:1).

Historical period

• c. 1450 BC (traditional) — Serves as Moses's aide at Sinai (Exodus 24:13; 32:17).
• c. 1445 BC — One of the twelve spies sent into Canaan; only he and Caleb bring back a faithful report (Numbers 13-14).
• c. 1406 BC — Succeeds Moses; leads Israel over the Jordan on dry ground (Joshua 3-4).
• c. 1406 BC — The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6).
• c. 1400 BC — The long day at Gibeon (Joshua 10:12-14).
• c. 1400-1385 BC — Divides the land among the twelve tribes (Joshua 13-21).
• c. 1385 BC — Covenant renewal at Shechem: 'as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (Joshua 24).
• c. 1385 BC — Dies at 110 years; buried at Timnath-serah (Joshua 24:29-30).

Scripture appearances

• Exodus 17:8-13 (KJV) Joshua leads Israel to victory over Amalek at Rephidim.
• Exodus 24:13 (KJV) Ascends part-way up Sinai with Moses.
• Numbers 13-14 (KJV) The report of the twelve spies.
• Joshua 1 (KJV) The commission after Moses's death: 'Be strong and of a good courage.'
• Joshua 3-4 (KJV) The crossing of the Jordan.
• Joshua 6 (KJV) Jericho.
• Joshua 10:12-14 (KJV) The long day at Gibeon.
• Joshua 24 (KJV) Covenant renewal at Shechem.
• Hebrews 4:8 (KJV) 'For if Jesus [Joshua] had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.'

Connected Places

• Jordan River — the river he led Israel across.
• Jericho — the first city that fell.
• Gibeon — the site of the long day.
• Shechem — the site of the covenant renewal.
• Mount Sinai — his early service under Moses.

Connected People

• Moses — his teacher and predecessor.
• Caleb — his fellow faithful spy.
• Rahab — the woman of Jericho who received the spies.
• Christ Jesus — the true Joshua ('Jesus' is the same Name); the true Rest (Hebrews 4).

Salvation history role

• The one who completed the Exodus by bringing Israel over the Jordan into the promised land.
• The successor who shows that faithful leadership passes to a faithful next generation.
• The type of Christ: same Name, brought God's people across Jordan into rest.

Christian tradition

• Read especially at feasts of covenant renewal.
• The 'joshua-fought-the-battle-of-Jericho' theme is a favourite of African-American spirituals.
• Ancient Christian catechesis (Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures) pairs Joshua's crossing with Christian baptism.

Household reflection

Joshua's household charter — 'as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (Joshua 24:15) — is CrossAIHub's household charter also. Post it near the door.

The command he received — 'be strong and of a good courage' (Joshua 1:9) — is the household's charter for every new venture.

Room connections

Where this entry meets the household in the wider house of CrossAIHub.

• Read (Library) — Read Joshua 1, 3-4, 6, 24 together as the Joshua unit.
• Pray (Chapel) — Pray Joshua 24:15 as a household covenant renewal each year.
• Family (Kitchen Table) — Post 'as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' near the door.
• Sing (Choir Room) — Sing 'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho' — the African-American spiritual.
• Learn (Workshop) — Study the connection between Joshua and Jesus — same Name, same salvation.

Further reading

The Book of Joshua in the KJV.

Hebrews 3-4.

Origen, Homilies on Joshua (third century).

Elsewhere in the Atlas

• Moses
• Joshua 24
• Jordan River
• Christ Jesus
• Return to the atrium — the Atlas's main room.