Monday, August 26, 2013

The History Of Joshua As Told In The Bible

By Debra Cooley


The history of Joshua is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. He was born in Egypt during the time when Jews were considered as slaves in Egypt. It therefore follows that he was also a slave in Egypt.

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt and God wanted to use Mosses to deliver them from the slavery. Initially at birth, he was named Hosea. However, Mosses changed his name to Joshua meaning, the Salvation of Lord.

The other person who is significant in this history, is Caleb who was the son of Jephunneh. Him together with Caleb are the only people among the Israelites then, who believed that through the help of God, they were able to conquer Canaan. As a result of the unfaithfulness of the other Jews, God sent them to the wilderness to wonder for 40 years. During the forty years in the wilderness, all those who did not believe in God died and only him and Caleb endured to the end. This was because of their faithfulness to God.

Moses then died before the Jews had reached the promise land. Therefore, there was a need for a need for a new leader to be chosen to succeed Moses in order to lead the Jews to the Promised Land. Joshua was therefore chosen as the successor of Moses. The Bible says that faithful obedience to God enabled him to grow from a slave to the leader of Israelites who led them to the Promised Land.

At this time, Jericho was wicked and all strange people were being killed. While in the city of Jericho, Rehab helped them with shelter and food. Rehab also helped them to hide without being noticed that they were present. They then promised to save Rehab as a way of showing gratitude to her.

They started by going round the city for six circles each day for six days. On the day seven before invading, they went round seven times then shouted. Thereafter, the wall was destroyed and the city was destroyed with exception of Rehab and her family members.

He also performed several miracles through the help of God. For instance, the Jew had to cross river Jordan before entering the land. During the time they were supposed to cross, River Jordan was flooded, God directed them to carry into the river, the Ark of the covenant. The river then stopped flowing and the Jews were able to cross successfully.

It is also necessary to note that he made some mistakes. God had instructed them not to make any covenant or to sign any treaty; however he signed a peace treaty with the people of Gibeon which was against Gods wish. The history of Joshua ends when he died at the age of 110 years. However, it teaches us that believing in God and having faith in him pays. Joshua was able to come from a humble background of being a servant, to one of the strongest leaders of Israelites who took them to the land which they were promised.




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