He fought many battles and was known as the first military leader of the Israelites. This reputation started after Moses led the slaves out of Egypt. They were in the desert at Rephidim when a nomad tribe called the Amalekites attacked them. They did not have an army at this juncture but they did beat the tribe with Joshua's help.
After the Exodus, Moses let him take command of the people. Moses actually died not long after this. At the time of his death they were in Shittim. The passages that detail this are in Joshua 1:1, 2:1, a book that was said to have been written around 1398 B. C. The new leader then headed north to Jordan, not far from the city of Jericho, known for the high imposing walls which kept out invaders.
One of the most famous parts of his reign is when God tells him they must cross over the Jordan River. It's the height of the rainy season and the river is at its highest. Additionally, there were no bridges or crossings back in those days. The priests carried the Ark of the Covenant across and the Israelites were with them. That's when the water subsided and they were able to cross unhindered. This was seen as a test of their faith in God, which they obviously passed.
Joshua actually means The Lord is Salvation. His original name was Hoshea, but Moses changed it. His mum was actually a nun who gave birth to him about forty years prior to the Exodus. Those who want more information on his birth mother and his birth should consult 1 Chronicles 7:20,27.
Most people know that Moses was the one who carried the Ten Commandments up Mount Sinai, but what they may not know is that Joshua was so trusted that he was allowed to accompany Moses part of the way. There are many other instances in which he was to assume trusted positions, such as the time he was sent as a spy by Moses to scout cities and give reports.
Once Jericho's walls caved in and the Israelites took the city, he was commanded by God to take further lands. Once he'd achieved the will of God, he divided land among the various tribes and was given Timnath-serah as a gift from God. A full twenty-five years after entering The Promised Land of Canaan, he died and was laid to rest in Timnath-serah.
The history of Joshua chronicles various battles and bloodshed, but it's really about more than that. It's a tale of how faith can help the underdog come through, even against great odds. By putting his trust in God, the odds were overcome.
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