Joshua in the Bible

Joshua, the son of Nun, was the faithful servant and successor of Moses who led the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. Long before he took command, he had proven himself as Moses' attendant and as one of only two spies who trusted God's promise. When the time came to choose a leader for the next generation, the LORD said to Moses, "Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him" (NUM.27.18). Moses publicly commissioned him, charging him, "Be strong and of a good courage, for thou must go with this people unto the land" (DEU.31.7). God Himself repeatedly encouraged Joshua as he took up this daunting task, commanding him, "Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land" (JOS.1.6), and then grounding that courage in His abiding presence: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (JOS.1.9). Joshua's obedience was rewarded with extraordinary victories. At Jericho, the people marched as commanded, and "the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city" (JOS.6.20). In the battle for Gibeon, God answered Joshua's bold prayer, and "the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies" (JOS.10.13). Joshua led not only with military courage but with unwavering devotion to God, and at the end of his life he called Israel to wholehearted commitment with his famous declaration: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (JOS.24.15). His life models the strength and courage that flow from trusting God's presence, the faithfulness of completing the work God assigns, and the call to lead one's household in covenant loyalty to the LORD.