What are key events in Joshua's life?

Early Life and Name Change

Joshua, originally called Hoshea (Numbers 13:8), hailed from the tribe of Ephraim. According to Scripture, Moses changed his name from Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” to Joshua, meaning “the LORD is salvation” (Numbers 13:16). Although details about Joshua’s upbringing are not extensively recorded, his identity as an Ephraimite and future leader emerges clearly by the time he appears in the Exodus narrative.

Military Leadership Under Moses

One of the first recorded events in Joshua’s life is his role as a military leader during Israel’s wilderness journey. When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, Moses instructed Joshua to select men and go out to fight (Exodus 17:9). Under Joshua’s leadership and with Moses interceding in prayer, the Israelites secured victory (Exodus 17:13). This success revealed Joshua’s skills in warfare and foreshadowed his future responsibilities as the nation’s leader.

Spying Out the Promised Land

While Israel camped in the wilderness of Paran, Moses sent twelve men to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:1–3). These men included Joshua (then referred to by his newly given name) and Caleb (Numbers 13:6, 8, 16). They traveled through the land for forty days, observing its richness and defenses.

Upon returning, most spies gave a fearful report, declaring the inhabitants too formidable (Numbers 13:31–33). In contrast, Joshua and Caleb stood firm in their conviction that God would grant Israel victory (Numbers 14:6–9). Their steadfast faith and courage distinguished them, setting them apart as men who trusted the promises given by God.

Appointed Successor and Commissioning

Because of Joshua’s faithfulness and commitment, the Lord rewarded him. During Israel’s extended stay in the wilderness—resulting from the majority’s unbelief—only Joshua and Caleb stood exempt from the generation that would die in those forty years (Numbers 14:30).

Near the end of Moses’ life, God directed Moses to commission Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:18–23). This commissioning signified not only a transfer of authority but also a clear statement to the people that Joshua was chosen by God, through Moses’ blessing, to lead Israel into Canaan. Deuteronomy 31:7–8 shows Moses publicly encouraging Joshua to be strong and courageous, reminding him of God’s unceasing presence.

Crossing the Jordan River

With Moses’ death, Joshua assumed leadership. One of his first monumental tasks was leading the people into the Promised Land. Under divine instruction (Joshua 1:1–9), and bolstered by the Lord’s repeated promise that He would be with him, Joshua prepared Israel to cross the Jordan River.

When the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the Jordan, the waters miraculously stood still, enabling the entire nation to cross on dry ground (Joshua 3:14–17). This miraculous crossing served to elevate Joshua’s standing among the people (Joshua 4:14) and confirmed God’s power at work in their midst.

Conquest of Jericho

Shortly after crossing the Jordan, Israel faced Jericho, a heavily fortified city (Joshua 6:1). Joshua met the “Commander of the LORD’s army” (Joshua 5:13–15), an encounter that further demonstrated God’s direct involvement in the upcoming battles.

Under divine guidance, the people marched around Jericho’s walls for seven days. On the seventh day, at the sound of the trumpet and the people’s shout, the city walls collapsed (Joshua 6:20). The archaeological record of Jericho’s collapsed walls, while interpreted variously, has provided intriguing points of study suggesting layers of destruction. Early 20th-century excavations led by John Garstang concluded that the biblical timeline for Jericho’s fall was plausible. Although scholars debate dates, many still see evidence consistent with a sudden and dramatic collapse.

Jericho’s downfall was a pivotal moment in Joshua’s life. It confirmed God’s power and validated Joshua’s role as the leader. Yet this victory also underscored Israel’s need for obedience, illustrated by the episode wherein Achan disobeyed God’s instructions and brought difficulty on the nation (Joshua 7:1).

Central, Southern, and Northern Campaigns

Following Jericho, Joshua led a swift and strategic campaign throughout the land. The next major city was Ai. After an initial setback caused by Achan’s sin, Israel conquered Ai (Joshua 8:1–29). This victory formed the beginning of the central campaign, as the region was effectively partitioned with decisive battles.

Next came the southern campaign triggered by a coalition of Canaanite kings (Joshua 10:1–5). Joshua’s forces rescued the Gibeonites, who had made a treaty with Israel (Joshua 9:15). During this campaign, Scripture records that the sun stood still at Joshua’s request, extending daylight so that Israel could secure a comprehensive victory (Joshua 10:12–14). This extraordinary event highlights God’s miraculous intervention.

Later, a collective of northern kings arose to challenge Israel, leading to the final phase of Joshua’s military efforts (Joshua 11:1–5). Joshua defeated these northern forces by following God’s instruction and relying on His power. As a result, Israel gained control of the region, though pockets of enemy presence remained.

Division of the Promised Land

After the principal conquests were completed, the land distribution among the tribes began. Joshua oversaw this lengthy process, apportioning territories according to the directives God had given. Joshua 13 through 22 details the allotments, including instructions to the tribes regarding unsurveyed territories.

In Joshua 14, Caleb, Joshua’s fellow faithful spy, requested the land of Hebron, which God had promised him. Joshua honored that request (Joshua 14:13). This account reinforces Joshua’s sense of justice and the camaraderie between the two men who had steadfastly believed in God’s faithfulness from the start.

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

After helping the tribes settle, Joshua gathered the nation at Shechem. There, he renewed the covenant with God, recounting Israel’s history from Abraham’s call to their present occupation of the land (Joshua 24:1–13). He exhorted the people to choose whom they would serve, culminating in his famous declaration, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

This covenant renewal reaffirmed the people’s commitment to the God who had delivered them from Egypt and provided for them in the wilderness. It also underscored the importance of aligning themselves with the covenant’s requirements in the land they now possessed.

Joshua’s Final Address and Legacy

As Joshua approached the end of his life, he summoned Israel’s leaders and reminded them to remain faithful to the covenant (Joshua 23:6–8). He recounted the conquests and the divine assistance they had witnessed. He warned them that if they forsook the LORD and served other gods, they would forfeit the blessings of the Promised Land (Joshua 23:12–13).

Having fulfilled his calling, Joshua died at 110 years old (Joshua 24:29). The people buried him in Timnath-serah, within his allotted inheritance (Joshua 24:30). His life epitomized obedience, faith, courage, and unwavering devotion to the God of Israel. Biblical history records that Israel served the LORD throughout Joshua’s lifetime and remained faithful for a time afterward (Joshua 24:31).

Key Reflections on Joshua’s Life

• Joshua’s unwavering trust in God, especially when opposing voices spread fear, demonstrates the impact of faithful obedience (Numbers 14:6–9).

• His transition from servant of Moses to leader of all Israel illustrates how God prepares individuals for increased responsibility (Numbers 27:18–23).

• The crossing of the Jordan and the fall of Jericho exhibit God’s miraculous power and His desire that His people rely on Him (Joshua 3:14–17; 6:20).

• The occasions of Achan’s sin and Gibeon’s treaty caution believers about the consequences of disobedience and the need for discernment (Joshua 7:1; 9:1–27).

• The division of the land demonstrates God’s fulfillment of the promises He made to the patriarchs (Genesis 12:7) and Joshua’s faithful stewardship in assigning each tribe’s inheritance (Joshua 14:1–5).

• The final covenant renewal shows the continued importance of commitment to God’s commands in the life of the nation (Joshua 24:1–15).

These events present Joshua as a leader used mightily by God. His resolute faith, moral courage, and insistence on covenant loyalty offer enduring lessons on living faithfully in accordance with divine guidance.