Joshua, also known as Jeshua, is a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, serving as the high priest during the return from Babylonian captivity. His role is pivotal in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Joshua is a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and is often mentioned alongside Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, as a leader in the efforts to reestablish worship and religious practices in the land.

Biblical References and Role:

Joshua's account is primarily found in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah. In the book of Ezra, he is introduced as one of the leaders who return with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Ezra 3:2 states, "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God."

In the prophetic book of Haggai, Joshua is encouraged by the prophet to take part in the rebuilding efforts. Haggai 1:14 records, "So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God."

Zechariah provides a more detailed account of Joshua's spiritual significance. In Zechariah 3, Joshua is depicted in a vision standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan accusing him. The LORD rebukes Satan and commands that Joshua's filthy garments be replaced with clean ones, symbolizing the removal of iniquity and the restoration of righteousness. Zechariah 3:4 states, "So the angel said to those standing before him, 'Take off his filthy clothes!' Then he said to Joshua, 'See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.'"

Symbolism and Messianic Foreshadowing:

Joshua's role as high priest is not only historical but also symbolic. His cleansing and new garments in Zechariah's vision are seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, who would take away the sins of the world. The name "Joshua" itself is the Hebrew form of "Jesus," meaning "The LORD is salvation," further linking Joshua's priestly work to the redemptive work of Christ.

Challenges and Opposition:

Joshua faced significant challenges during his leadership. The rebuilding of the temple was met with opposition from surrounding peoples and internal discouragement among the Israelites. Despite these obstacles, Joshua, alongside Zerubbabel, remained steadfast in their mission, encouraged by the prophetic words of Haggai and Zechariah.

Legacy:

Joshua's legacy is one of faithfulness and dedication to God's commands during a critical period of Israel's history. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people and the reestablishment of temple worship. His life and ministry serve as an example of perseverance and trust in God's promises, even amidst adversity.Ezra 2:2
Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
Nave's Topical Index

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... kings, such rulers governed them as were called judges and ... the death of Moses, and
of Joshua their commander ... They had also the governors favorable to them, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

Altar and Temple
... not yet laid.7. They gave money also unto the ... of their ancestral fields before they
were called to leave ... His name recalls the other Joshua, likewise a leader ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... and the substitution of his brother Joshua, Jesus, or ... of Syria, its boundaries were
also narrowed ... and the districts comprised within the so-called Decapolis (or ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... lot, as it was in the days of Joshua, but upon ... Ezra and Mordecai (the twelve minor
prophets also, since chap ... We are not called upon to defend the classic purity ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Does God's promise to Joshua and Israel in Joshua 1:9 apply to us? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Joshua in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Joshua - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Joshua: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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