Joshua

Etymology

From 'Yah' (Yahweh) and 'yasha' (to save, to deliver). The Greek form of this name is Iesous — Jesus. Joshua and Jesus are literally the same name in different languages. This is not coincidental; it is the thread that connects the Old Testament deliverer to the New.

Who they were

Joshua spent forty years as Moses' assistant before becoming Israel's leader — one of the longest apprenticeships in the Bible. He first appears as the military commander who defeated the Amalekites while Moses held up his hands on a hilltop. He was one of the twelve spies sent into the promised land, and with Caleb, one of only two who trusted God's promise enough to say 'We can do this.' For that faith, he was the only member of the exodus generation (besides Caleb) permitted to enter the land. When Moses died on Mount Nebo, God commissioned Joshua with words that have sustained countless people since: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua led the crossing of the Jordan, the fall of Jericho (marching around the city for seven days until the walls collapsed), and the conquest and division of the land among the twelve tribes. His final address to Israel is one of the Bible's great choice-moments: 'Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.' He died at 110, described as 'the servant of the Lord' — the same title given to Moses. The fact that his name means 'God saves' and is the Hebrew form of Jesus makes the entire book of Joshua read, for Christians, as a prefiguration of a greater deliverance.

Family

Father

Nun

Character qualities

• Decades of faithful apprenticeship
• Military courage
• Obedience to God's strategy
• Long-term faithfulness
• Ability to call others to decision

Key verse

Joshua 1:9

Where they appear

Themes

Variants & related forms

Josh · Josué · Yehoshua · Jesus (Greek form)

Related names