Joshua

Joshua is born in Egypt during Israel's slavery. His original name, Hoshea ('salvation'), would later be changed by Moses to Joshua ('Yahweh is salvation'). He grows up witnessing Israel's bondage and God's deliverance.

Shortly after the Exodus, Joshua leads Israel's first military campaign against the Amalekites at Rephidim. While Moses holds up his hands with Aaron and Hur's help, Joshua defeats the enemy in battle.

Joshua accompanies Moses partway up Mount Sinai when Moses receives the Law. He waits on the mountain for forty days while Moses meets with God. He is the first to hear the noise of the golden calf revelry.

Joshua serves as Moses' young aide and does not leave the Tent of Meeting. He shows zeal for Moses when others prophesy in the camp, though Moses gently corrects his jealousy.

Joshua is one of twelve spies sent to explore Canaan. Only he and Caleb bring back a faithful report, urging Israel to trust God and take the land. The people's fear leads to forty years of wandering.

Moses lays hands on Joshua before the priest and the congregation, commissioning him as Israel's new leader. God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising to be with him as He was with Moses.

Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan River at flood stage. When the priests carrying the ark step into the water, the river stops flowing. All Israel crosses on dry ground, just as they had crossed the Red Sea.

Following God's unusual battle plan, Israel marches around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, after seven circuits and the priests' trumpets sound, the people shout and the walls collapse.

Israel suffers defeat at Ai because Achan took forbidden items from Jericho. After purging the sin, Joshua uses military strategy to conquer Ai, setting an ambush that draws out the city's defenders.

Joshua leads campaigns against the southern and northern Canaanite coalitions. The sun stands still at Gibeon to give Israel victory. Joshua conquers thirty-one kings and distributes the land among the tribes.

In his farewell addresses, Joshua challenges Israel to choose whom they will serve. He declares, 'As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.' The people renew their covenant commitment.

Joshua dies at the age of 110, described as 'the servant of the Lord.' He is buried at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. Israel served the Lord throughout Joshua's lifetime and the elders who outlived him.