Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionSteadfastness is a virtue that is prominently displayed in the life and leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses and the leader of the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. Joshua's unwavering faith, obedience, and commitment to God's commands serve as a powerful example of steadfastness in the face of daunting challenges and responsibilities. Biblical Background Joshua, the son of Nun, was from the tribe of Ephraim and first appears in the biblical narrative as a military leader during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9-13). He was also one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:8). Unlike the other spies, Joshua, along with Caleb, demonstrated steadfast faith in God's promise, urging the Israelites to trust in the Lord's ability to deliver the land into their hands (Numbers 14:6-9). Steadfast Leadership Upon Moses' death, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. His leadership is marked by a steadfast adherence to God's instructions. The Lord's charge to Joshua underscores the importance of steadfastness: "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 1:7). Joshua's commitment to God's commands is evident in his meticulous execution of the divine strategy for the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21). His steadfastness is further demonstrated in his response to the sin of Achan, where he upheld God's holiness by addressing the transgression decisively (Joshua 7:10-26). Faithfulness to God's Covenant Joshua's steadfastness is also reflected in his dedication to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. He led the people in renewing their covenant with God at Mount Ebal, where he built an altar and read the Law to the assembly (Joshua 8:30-35). This act of covenant renewal highlights Joshua's unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Israelites remained faithful to their God. Final Exhortation In his farewell address, Joshua's steadfastness is evident as he exhorts the Israelites to remain faithful to the Lord. He challenges them to choose whom they will serve, declaring his own unwavering commitment: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). This declaration encapsulates Joshua's steadfastness and serves as a lasting testament to his faith and leadership. Conclusion Joshua's life and leadership exemplify the virtue of steadfastness through his unwavering faith, obedience to God's commands, and commitment to the covenant. His example serves as an enduring model for believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and dedication to God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Historical Books. The General Conference of 1820 The Servant's Inflexible Resolve That Divine and Heavenly Things are Appropriately Revealed, Even ... The Catholic Epistles. Fundamental Oneness of the Dispensations. The Pilgrim's Longings An Advance in the Exhortation. On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. Letter Lii. To Nepotian. Resources The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is faithfulness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to a “Daughter of Zion”? | GotQuestions.org Steadfastness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Steadfastness: A Characteristic of Saints Steadfastness: Exhibited by God in all his Purposes and Ways Steadfastness: Godliness Necessary To Steadfastness: Ministers: Encouraged By, in Their People Steadfastness: Ministers: Exhorted To Steadfastness: Ministers: Rejoiced By, in Their People Steadfastness: Ministers: should Exhort To Steadfastness: Ministers: should Pray For, in Their People Steadfastness: Principle of-Illustrated Steadfastness: Saints Praise God For Steadfastness: Saints Pray For Steadfastness: Secured by The Intercession of Christ Steadfastness: Secured by The Power of God Steadfastness: Secured by The Presence of God Steadfastness: Secured by Trust in God Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Cleaving to God Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Continuing in the Apostles' Doctrine Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast Our Profession Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast the Confidence and Rejoicing of the Hope Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast What is Good Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Keeping the Faith Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Maintaining Christian Liberty Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Standing Fast in the Faith Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Striving for the Faith of the Gospel Steadfastness: should be Manifested in the Work of the Lord Steadfastness: should be Manifested: Even Under Affliction Steadfastness: The Wicked Devoid of Steadfastness: Those Who Overcame Satan Steadfastness: Want of-Illustrated Related Terms |