Joshua: God's Faithful Man

Reading the book of Joshua, we might wonder what qualities Joshua possessed that God favored him with finishing the task of leading the Israelites into the promised land. Joshua was the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim. We may recall from Genesis that Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and that Jacob adopted both Ephraim and Manasseh as his own.  It is also interesting to note that Jacob preferred Ephraim to his older brother in giving his blessing. Gen.48:14-16.  The tribe of Ephraim became the most powerful and influential  of the tribes of Israel after Judah and was credited with achieving and maintaining unity among the Israelites prior to the Kings.  Joshua, true to his lineage, distinguishes himself by faithfully obeying God's commands.  God rewards him by remaining by his side and selecting him to be Moses' successor.

Joshua's name was originally Hosea, meaning "salvation."  Moses changed his name to Joshua, Num 13:16  "The Lord is salvation" in recognition of his loyalty to the Lord.  Interestingly, the name Joshua is a form of Jeshua or Jesus. Thus, in Joshua, we have a figure who is a type.  That is, he prefigures Jesus, the One who is to come.  Once again we are struck by God's hand in all that occurs in Salvation History. His perfect planning.  Before Joshua is even born, God  has designated him to lead His people into the promised land.

From the moment that Joshua begins to distinguish himself and then throughout the book of Joshua, God reiterates the promise he had given to the Israelites through Moses, No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:5-6.

God does not forget His word.  He is true to His promise, but He does ask this of Joshua, Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you; turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. Joshua1:7-8.  

Reading the first chapter of Joshua gives us a glimpse of God's faithfulness.  It also should reassure us that we too will be rewarded for our faithfulness to Him. Joshua's task will not be easy.  The book of Joshua is about conquest in battle.  The land will not simply be handed over to the Israelites; they must win it.  And so it is with all of our endeavors.  Success does not come easy.  There are many pitfalls along the way.  There is always the temptation to take short cuts.  There is the danger of despairing when times get tough.  We can take heart from reading this first chapter of the book of Joshua.  God has given us the law which we must follow.  We must not deviate to the left or to the right, but follow it straight, meditating upon it night and day. As God said to Joshua, He also says to us, Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9/

We can gather from Salvation History that God supports those who act in His service and not for their own glory.  He requires absolute faithfulness.  That is the quality that Joshua possessed.

Marker placed at the entrance to Jericho