79. What the Bible Says About Joshua (pt2)

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly Bible Study.

Episode 79 - 20/06/25

This week we are continuing to look at Joshua, his life and ministry.

1. Joshua Was a Faithful Assistant Before Becoming a Leader

Before leading Israel, Joshua served faithfully under Moses. He is introduced as a military commander (Exodus 17) and later as Moses’ assistant (Exodus 24:13), accompanying him even partway up Sinai. His quiet loyalty and spiritual attentiveness prepared him for greater responsibility. His example reminds us that leadership in God’s kingdom grows out of faithful service.

2. Joshua Was a Man of Faith in a Generation of Fear

As one of the twelve spies, Joshua stood apart with Caleb, trusting God could give them the land despite the opposition (Numbers 13–14). While others focused on giants, Joshua focused on God's promises. He was willing to stand alone in faith, even when it meant waiting 40 years for the promise. His courage came from confidence in God's word, not in circumstances.

3. Joshua Was Commissioned and Empowered by God

God Himself chose Joshua as Moses’ successor, confirming this through Moses and later through direct words to Joshua. In Joshua 1, God tells him to be strong and courageous—not because of natural skill, but because of God’s presence and word. Joshua was filled with the Spirit (Numbers 27:18) and entrusted with leading a nation because his strength came from submission to the Lord.

4. Joshua Obeyed God Wholeheartedly

Joshua’s leadership is marked by precise obedience. At Jericho, he followed God’s unusual battle plan without question (Joshua 6). Even when sin brought defeat at Ai, Joshua sought God’s guidance and acted decisively (Joshua 7). He did not rely on human strategy but on God’s direction, showing a heart that feared the Lord more than public opinion or logic.

5. Joshua Prioritised God’s Word

In Joshua 1:8, Joshua is commanded to meditate on God’s law. He models this by renewing the covenant at Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:34–35) and ensuring that God’s Word governed their conquest and settlement. Joshua knew that success depended not on power or planning but on alignment with God’s revealed will.

6. Joshua Pointed the People Toward Holiness

Joshua’s zeal for holiness shaped his leadership. He was grieved by compromise, as seen in the Gibeonite deception (Joshua 9), and took decisive steps to preserve Israel’s distinctiveness. He expected covenant faithfulness and held Israel accountable, refusing to tolerate half-hearted obedience. His leadership challenged Israel to choose whom they would serve.

7. Joshua Finished Faithfully

At the end of his life, Joshua gave a clear and powerful charge to the nation. His words in Joshua 24:15—“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”—sum up his unwavering devotion. He died having fulfilled all that God asked of him, and Israel served the Lord throughout his lifetime. Joshua’s legacy is not just military success but spiritual steadfastness.