What was Joshua in The Bible?

Answer 1

The book of Joshua takes up where Deuteronomy leaves off after the death of Moses. It is the first of the twelve books of history in the Old Testament. Joshua was the military leader of the Israelite people when they conquered Canaan. He was one of the twelve spies Moses sent in to spy out the land of Canaan, and he and Caleb were the only two who said yes they could take the land. Because the people feared it they were forced to wander in the desert for 40 years. This book details how the Israelite people began their nation. In this regard it records details of the land areas to be occupied by the various tribes, as well as the fact that they did not all occupy these areas immediately because they were still occupied by the previous inhabitants. Thus Joshua records what might be termed an 'incomplete conquest', and then the potential results which could and then did follow are recorded in later books.

The book of Joshua also records the results of people either trusting and obeying God (the taking of Jericho) or not obeying (Achan and the initial defeat at Ai) or the consequences of believing ones eyes rather than the wisdom of God (The Gibeonites).

Answer 2

Joshua was leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses. According to the biblical book of Joshua, Joshua led the people of Israel westward across the Jordan River to invade Canaan. Under his leadership the Israelites conquered the Canaanites and gained control of the Promised Land. The book begins by recounting the battles, including the famous demolition of the walls of Jericho. Joshua then divides Canaan among the 12 tribes of Israel, makes his farewell speech, and dies. The book was compiled much later than the events described, perhaps during the Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BC.

Answer 3

Joshua, the son of Nun, a member of the tribe of Ephraim. In post-biblical times Joshua himself was credited with being the author of the book, though internal evidence gives no such indication.

Answer 4

The book of Joshua was written by him (Talmud, Bava Bathra 14b), except for the last verses describing his death. Joshua was the leader after Moses (Numbers ch.27, Deuteronomy ch.31). He led the Israelites into Canaan and guided them for the ensuing 28 years. See also:

About Joshua

What difficulties did Joshua face?

What inheritances did they allot?

Contents of the Book of Joshua

Why did they kill the Canaanites?

Timeline

Answer 5

Joshua was a prominent figure in The Bible who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites and led them into the Promised Land. He is best known for the Battle of Jericho, where the walls of the city fell after the Israelites marched around it for seven days. Joshua's leadership and faith played a crucial role in the Israelites' settlement in Canaan.