Bible Character Explorer
Conquest and Judges Period • c. 1500 to 1390 BC (traditional dating)
Joshua
Conqueror of CanaanMoses's successor who led Israel into the promised land with courage and unwavering faith
"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."
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Overview
Joshua served as Moses's assistant throughout the wilderness years and was one of only two of the twelve spies, along with Caleb, who brought back a faithful report about entering Canaan. After Moses's death, God appointed Joshua to lead Israel across the Jordan and into the conquest of the promised land. His leadership is marked by unwavering obedience, decisive faith at Jericho, and a closing charge to Israel to choose whom they would serve.
Gospel Connection
Joshua's very name is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus, both meaning 'the Lord saves.' Just as Joshua led God's people out of the wilderness and into the promised inheritance, Jesus leads his people out of bondage to sin and into the greater inheritance of eternal rest. Hebrews 4 makes this connection explicit: the physical rest Joshua provided in Canaan was real but incomplete, a shadow pointing forward to the eternal Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the true and greater Joshua.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.