Joshua had big shoes to fill. How do you take over leadership from a guy who led people out of slavery? How do you live up to the standard set by someone God would talk to “face to face as one speaks a friend” (Exodus 33:11)?
If you’re new to Joshua’s story in the Bible, this article will walk through who he was, how he became Israel’s leader, his victories, and the difficult moments that defined his legacy.
Joshua couldn’t replace Moses or lead Israel by relying on his own ability. Instead, he learned to trust God when the people around him didn’t. His story matters because most of us will eventually face something that feels bigger than we are. Joshua shows us what courage and faith can look like when we don’t feel ready for what’s ahead.
Quick Facts about Joshua
- Where’s Joshua’s story in the Bible? Joshua’s story is scattered through the earlier parts of the Old Testament. He is first mentioned in Exodus 17. He also appears in Numbers 13 and 14 and Deuteronomy 31. The rest of Joshua’s story is told throughout the Book of Joshua.
- When did Joshua live? Joshua was born into slavery in Egypt. His life spans the Exodus, when God used Moses to free the Israelites; the 40 years of wandering the wilderness; and the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. All of this took place over 3,000 years ago.
- Who was Joshua? Joshua was Moses’ attendant and ultimately the one God chose to succeed him. He led Israel into the Promised Land and continued to lead until they took possession of it.
- What is Joshua known for? He’s known for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, leading God’s people around the walls of Jericho, commanding the sun to stand still in the sky (which God did), and dividing the Promised Land among the 12 tribes of Israel after they conquered it.
- Who did Joshua know? Joshua was an attendant to Moses. He also knew Moses’ brother, Aaron, whom God sent with Moses into Egypt, and Hur, a prominent Israelite leader after the Exodus.
When Does Joshua Show Up in the Bible?
Joshua’s story takes place after:
- The creation story
- God calling Abraham to move to a new land
- Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery
- The Exodus
- God giving Israel the Ten Commandments
Joshua’s story takes place before:
- The story of Samson
- The life of King David
- Israel’s exile into Babylon
- Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
- The birth of Jesus
Where Does Joshua’s Story Take Place?
Joshua’s story takes place primarily in the land of Canaan (aka the Promised Land). We first see him in the wilderness between Egypt and Canaan, after Israel crossed the Red Sea.
Who Was Joshua?
Joshua was a strong leader who passionately believed in God’s faithfulness even when others around him doubted. His story shows us the great things God can do in and through people who trust in Him.
Joshua Stood Up for What Was Right
In the Book of Numbers, Joshua sets the tone for who he is. Sent into Canaan to spy for 40 days with 11 other men, Joshua returns with a very different report than most of the others. Along with Caleb, Joshua saw the goodness of the land and believed God could deliver on His promises. The other 10 spies saw the people of the land and their fortified cities and gave in to fear.
Even though the majority were against him, Joshua stood firm in his trust in God. Because of this, Joshua and Caleb were the only men over 20 at the time that God would eventually allow to enter the promised land. The rest died during the 40 years of wandering the wilderness.
Joshua Believed in God’s Faithfulness
Joshua spent years learning to trust God before he was asked to lead anyone into the unknown.
If the Israelites were going to take possession of the Promised Land, Joshua knew it would only happen through God. When others doubted, Joshua believed. Whether on the shores of the Jordan, before the walls of Jericho, or confronting a foe Israel needed more daylight to defeat, Joshua believed God is who He says He is, and that He is faithful to keep His promises.
Joshua Shows Us What God Can Do When We Are Reliant on Him
Time and again, Joshua demonstrated reliance on God. As a young man, Joshua would accompany Moses to the tent of meeting (where the Lord would meet with Moses). After meeting with the Lord, Moses would leave the tent, but Joshua would stay behind to be near the Lord. Tracking the course of Joshua’s life, we see a pattern of almost unshakeable obedience to God’s plans and corresponding victories God brought Israel as a result.
Joshua Remained Faithful to the End of His Life
Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered Israel’s leaders for two farewell speeches, recorded in Joshua 23–24. He reminded them of everything God had done and warned them what would happen if they abandoned Him.
Joshua’s final message was the same one he had lived: God is faithful, so choose whom you will trust.
At Shechem, Joshua challenged the people to decide where their loyalty belonged: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15 NIV). Joshua died at 110 and was buried in the land God had promised Israel. His influence continued after his death, as Israel kept serving God throughout the lifetime of the elders who had served alongside him.
What Are Some Famous Joshua Stories in the Bible?
Joshua learned under Moses before God chose him to lead Israel to claim what God had promised them. He readily trusted God to be faithful, and God used him to bring the land of Canaan under Israelite control.
- Joshua and Caleb go into the land of Canaan (Numbers 13 and 14): Moses sends 12 spies into the Promised Land for 40 days. They all return, but only Joshua and Caleb believe God will give them the land.
- Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan River (Joshua 3): After being appointed leader of Israel, God does for Joshua at the Jordan what He did for Moses at the Red Sea, parting the waters again and reminding Israel of His power and faithfulness.
- Joshua leads the conquering of Jericho (Joshua 5:13-6:27): Facing unassailable walls, Joshua leads the Israelites to trust in God and His plan to take the city of Jericho.
- Joshua asks the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:1-15): Facing a coalition of five kings, Joshua and the Israelites go to battle. Joshua requests the sun to stop in the sky to give the Israelites more time to win the battle.
Why Does Joshua’s Story Matter?
Joshua’s story shows the power of relying on God to lead us. In a culture of hyper-individuality where truth can be subjective, God calls us followers of Jesus to live differently. We are called to believe God’s Word as truth and trust in His plans.
This is way easier said than done, especially when we don’t know from the beginning what’s going to happen. When God sent Israel across the Jordan River, Joshua didn’t know how that would play out. God just told Joshua to have some priests stand in the water holding the Ark of the Covenant. While fighting against a group of five allied kings, Joshua couldn’t be sure God would make the sun stand still, but he believed. Joshua trusted God, stepped out in faith, and saw God move.
This same story can be true for us, too. What if all that stands between us and seeing a move of God is a single step? A step into unknown territory, where everything God wants to do in us and through us is waiting? This kind of step requires us to submit to God’s will and His plans, but it’s where we find the life God wants for us.
What Lessons Does Joshua’s Story Teach Us?
Sometimes standing for what’s right means standing apart from the majority. This may not always be the case, but it is something we should evaluate. In Joshua’s case, the majority were standing in fear. Fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but the ancient Israelites let their fear rob them of their faith. It probably would have been easier to go with the crowd, but that would have put Joshua in opposition to everything he believed. This should be your filter when pressured to go with the crowd: Does going with the crowd mean going against what I believe?
We need to grow our dependence on God. When was the last time you longed to be in the presence of God? As a young man, Joshua hungered for the things of God, staying close to God’s presence even after Moses departed. Joshua knew something we can lose in our day-to-day if we aren’t careful. He knew time in God’s presence is essential to doing God’s will.
When we trust God, He shows Himself faithful. Joshua trusted in God wholeheartedly. Repeatedly, we see Joshua step out in faith and watch God deliver. If we never take a step of faith, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to see God do what only He can do. When was the last time you stepped out in faith? If you can get through every day in your own power, then you might need to ask yourself if you’re missing something bigger God wants you to do.
Reflect or Discuss
- Is there somewhere in your life where you are going along with the crowd even though you shouldn’t? What would it look like to choose to stand apart?
- How are you growing a reliance on God?
- What can you do today to step out in faith and trust God?