Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionHumility is a central theme in the life and leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses and the leader of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. Joshua's humility is demonstrated through his obedience to God, his submission to divine authority, and his willingness to serve others. This entry explores the various aspects of humility as exemplified by Joshua, drawing from the biblical narrative and related passages. Obedience to God Joshua's humility is first and foremost evident in his obedience to God's commands. After the death of Moses, God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua accepted this daunting task with a humble heart, recognizing his dependence on God's guidance. In Joshua 1:7-9 , God instructs him, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua's adherence to these instructions reflects his humble submission to God's will. Submission to Divine Authority Joshua's humility is further illustrated by his submission to divine authority. In Joshua 5:13-15 , Joshua encounters the Commander of the LORD's army. Recognizing the divine presence, Joshua falls facedown in reverence and asks, "What does my Lord have to say to His servant?" The Commander instructs Joshua to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy. Joshua's immediate compliance demonstrates his recognition of God's supreme authority and his own position as a servant. Willingness to Serve Throughout his leadership, Joshua exemplifies humility through his willingness to serve the people of Israel. He consistently places the needs of the community above his own, seeking God's guidance for the benefit of the entire nation. In Joshua 24:15 , Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This statement underscores Joshua's commitment to serving God and leading by example. Dependence on God Joshua's humility is also evident in his dependence on God for victory and success. Before the battle of Jericho, Joshua follows God's unconventional strategy of marching around the city for seven days, trusting in God's promise of victory (Joshua 6:2-5). This reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength or wisdom highlights Joshua's humble acknowledgment of God's power and sovereignty. Intercession for the People In moments of crisis, Joshua's humility is revealed through his intercession for the people. After the defeat at Ai, Joshua humbles himself before God, tearing his clothes and falling facedown before the Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 7:6). He seeks God's guidance and pleads for the restoration of Israel, demonstrating his role as a mediator and servant leader. Conclusion Joshua's life and leadership provide a profound example of humility in action. His obedience to God, submission to divine authority, willingness to serve, dependence on God, and intercession for the people all reflect a heart committed to humility. Through Joshua's example, believers are encouraged to cultivate humility in their own lives, recognizing their dependence on God and their calling to serve others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 7:6And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust on their heads. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Joshua and the Angel Our Captain Letter Lxxvi. To Abigaus. Caleb --A Green Old Age The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. Hebrews xi. 28-31 Conflicts with Giant Mistake Jesus Baptized by John in the Jordan. Out of and Into Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ. Resources What does the Bible say about egotism / egoism? What is an egoist / egotist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.org What does “blessed are the meek” mean? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
    |