Joshua

The story of Joshua

Joshua, the son of Nun, began his service as the loyal assistant and military commander to Moses. He was one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan and, along with Caleb, was the only one to bring back a report of faith, trusting that God would give them the land despite the strength of its inhabitants. Because of this faithfulness, he was one of only two adults from the Exodus generation permitted to eventually enter the Promised Land.

Upon the death of Moses, Joshua was commissioned by God to lead Israel across the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan. He is best known for the fall of Jericho, where the city walls collapsed after the Israelites marched around them for seven days. Joshua proved to be a brilliant and God-fearing strategist, leading the nation through numerous battles. In one famous instance, he prayed for the sun to stand still to allow his army to complete a victory.

After the major conquests were finished, Joshua oversaw the distribution of the land among the twelve tribes. In his final days, he gathered the leaders at Shechem to renew their covenant with God. He delivered a powerful challenge to the people to remain faithful, famously declaring that he and his household would serve the Lord. He died at the age of 110, having successfully transitioned the nation from wandering nomads to a settled people in their own land.