Topical Bible: Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Allots the Land

◄ Joshua: Also Called Jehoshua, and Jehoshuah, and Oshea: Allots the Land ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joshua, a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, is renowned for his role as the leader of the Israelites following the death of Moses. His name, which means "The LORD is salvation," is rendered in various forms, including Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, and Oshea. Joshua is primarily recognized for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing its division among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Background and Early Life

Joshua first appears in the biblical narrative as a young man serving as Moses' aide. He is introduced in the Book of Exodus, where he is chosen to lead the Israelite forces against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9-13). His loyalty and faithfulness to Moses and God are evident throughout the wilderness journey. Joshua is one of the twelve spies sent to Canaan and, along with Caleb, provides a positive report, demonstrating his trust in God's promises (Numbers 14:6-9).

Leadership and Conquest

Upon Moses' death, Joshua is appointed as his successor. God commissions Joshua with the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, assuring him of His presence and support. "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). Joshua's leadership is marked by a series of military campaigns that result in the conquest of Canaan. Key victories include the fall of Jericho, where the walls miraculously collapse after the Israelites march around them for seven days (Joshua 6:20), and the defeat of Ai (Joshua 8:1-29).

Allotment of the Land

A significant aspect of Joshua's leadership is the allotment of the conquered land among the tribes of Israel. This task is detailed in the latter chapters of the Book of Joshua. The land distribution is conducted by casting lots, a method believed to reflect divine will. "So Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions" (Joshua 18:10). Each tribe receives its inheritance, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the land.

Covenant Renewal and Legacy

Joshua's tenure as leader concludes with a covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, where he challenges the Israelites to serve the LORD faithfully. "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). Joshua's legacy is one of unwavering faith and obedience to God, serving as a model of leadership and devotion for future generations.

Joshua's life and actions are pivotal in the history of Israel, marking the transition from a nomadic existence to a settled nation in the land promised to their forefathers. His account is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer.

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Joshua 13:1
Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said to him, You are old and stricken in years, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed.
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Joshua 14:1
And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.
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Joshua 15:1
This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.
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Joshua 16:1
And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, to the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,
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Joshua 17:1
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
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Joshua 18:1
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
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Joshua 19:1
And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.
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