Joshua is one of the great characters of the Old Testament. His original name was Hoshea, which means “salvation,” but Moses changed it to Joshua, which means “Jehovah is salvation” (Num. 13:8,16). We might add that the Greek form of Joshua is Jesus (Matt. 1:21). This is significant in the drama of redemption. Moses, representative of the Law, couldn’t bring Israel into Canaan, the Promised Land. Joshua, representative of Jesus Christ, fulfilled God’s promises of bringing God’s people into the Promised Land (Heb. 4:8).
Scripture labels Joshua as Moses’ assistant (Josh. 1:1). Joshua served an important role during the wilderness wandering, assisting Israel’s great leader. Though he was Moses’ assistant, he was also a man of war. For it was Joshua who victoriously led the armies of Israel against Amalek (Ex. 17:9).
In addition to being a great warrior, Joshua was also a man of God. He accompanied Moses up Mount Sinai, where the glory of the Lord dwelt (Ex. 24:13-16). This must be where Joshua learned from Moses to linger in the presence of God. Before the erection of the Tabernacle, Joshua would make frequent trips to the tent of meeting where he would linger even after Moses’ departure (Ex. 33:7-11). Scripture also identifies Joshua as a man in whom is the Spirit (Num. 27:18). Needless to say, Joshua was a man of prayer, courage, faith, and leadership.
The book of Joshua records the children of Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, taking possession of the Promised Land. Speaking of the Promised Land, we should note at the outset, that Canaan is not representative of heaven. Bible commentator, Sidlow Baxter, notes, “Canaan was a place of conquest through conflict. There had been little fighting during the wilderness years, but as soon as Canaan was entered Israel must draw the sword. Enemies must be destroyed. Israel must fight. How then can Canaan typify the calm restfulness of the ultimate inheritance in heaven?” Baxter further noted that Canaan was representative of the Christian’s present position and possession in Christ.
As great as Joshua was, there was a greater Joshua to come. Joshua was able to help Israel see many of God’s promises with the patriarchs fulfilled. Jesus, on the other hand, fulfilled all of God’s promises (2 Cor. 1:19-20). Joshua was Israel’s military leader, leading them to victory. Jesus, on the other hand, is the Captain of our Salvation (Heb. 2:10). The Spirit of the Lord dwelt within Joshua. Jesus, on the other hand, was God manifest in flesh (1 Tim. 3:16).
Beloved, let us read the book of Joshua seeing the greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.