LESSON 3: Joshua, The Great Successor of Moses
LESSON 3
JOSHUA, THE GREAT SUCCESSOR OF MOSES
Joshua is the son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim
Joshua was personally appointed successor to Moses (Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:9) and a charismatic warrior who led Israel in the conquest of Canaan after the Exodus from Egypt. He was a faithful follower of Moses and a true believer of God. Thus, he became a brave leader of the Israelites and he guided the people to the Promised Land.
Joshua was loyal to the law, had a strong love for his people, was a strong devotee of God and was a fearless leader. He led the Israelites to take over the Promised Land. Thus, through Joshua, God’s promise was fulfilled.
Moses sent twelve men representing the twelve tribes to collect details about the Land of Canaan. Only Joshua and Caleb believed in the power of God and inspired the people to conquer the land under the guidance of divine power. But the rest were against them (Num. 14:6-8).
So first the people had to wander through the wilderness for 40 years as punishment for not believing in God. After 40 years, Joshua got the go-ahead from God. They got ready and took the ark of the covenant with them.
The first city they encountered was Jericho, which was surrounded by a great wall. The inhabitants had already heard of the Israelites, so Jericho was completely closed up. No one came out, and no one went in. Then God sent an angel who spoke to Joshua and explained exactly what he should do. But the way he was going to take the city was pretty unusual. It certainly wasn’t going to be a normal conquest of a city, that was for sure.
Joshua explained to the people what God had said – that they should walk around the city. He lined up the ark first, then the priests with their trumpets and then men with their weapons. All of these people walked in front of the ark, and the rest of the people walked behind. That’s how they walked, quietly around the city once, and then went back to the camp. They repeated this every day for six days. On the seventh day they were going to take the city. That day, they walked seven times around the city, and when the trumpets were blown for the seventh time, all the people of Israel gave a loud cry. Then the miracle happened!
The battle of Jericho was just one of many experiences of faith Joshua had with God. So he did not doubt what God said, but did everything exactly as he was told, even though it might sound strange.
God blessed Joshua because he was a faithful servant of God and dedicated himself before the will of God. And so, God selected him as the successor of Moses.
Moses blessed Joshua and said: “Your Lord God is coming with you. He will not leave you alone” (Dt 31: 6).
God said to Joshua, “Be brave and firm, because your Lord God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Video Ref:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUKWt46vubo
What did you learn from this story?
That’s how it can be today, too. Often you might not understand why you should do things, but you choose to be faithful and obedient. To be obedient is to do what is written in God’s word – even if you perhaps don´t understand it. When you choose to be obedient in faith, you will experience that it is right and good. And we who live today, we have Jesus to help us. He will help us both so we know what is right and wrong, and He will also give us the power to do what is right. Like Joshua, we should also dedicate ourselves to God and follow his teachings. We should be aware that our Lord God is enough for everything.