Who Was Joshua in the Bible?

Written by Dianna Wiebe on April 24, 2025.

Joshua is a standout figure in the Bible—a faithful leader, courageous warrior, and devoted servant of God. As Moses’ successor, Joshua played a pivotal role in guiding the Israelites into the Promised Land. He played a key role in guiding the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. Today, we will walk biblical facts that will equip you to teach on the life of Joshua.

What Does the Name Joshua Mean?

Originally named Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” Moses renamed him Joshua, which means “The Lord is salvation” or “Jehovah saves.” This name change highlighted his divine mission to lead Israel into the land God promised.

Joshua’s Family

The Bible provides limited details about Joshua’s family:

Father: Nun
Tribe: Ephraim
Wife and Children: Not mentioned in Scripture; but some traditions suggest he had daughters.

Where Did Joshua Live?

Throughout the life of Joshua, he lived in several key locations:

Egypt: Born during the Israelites’ slavery.
The Wilderness: Wandered for 40 years after the Exodus.
Gilgal: First camp in the land of Canaan.
Mountains of Ephraim: His final resting place.

What Is Joshua Known For?

The life of Joshua was marked by remarkable faith and leadership:

Moses’ Assistant: Faithfully served and learned from Moses.
One of the 12 Spies: Along with Caleb, trusted God’s promise about the Promised Land.
Military Leader: Led battles, including the miraculous fall of Jericho.
Successor to Moses: Guided the Israelites into Canaan.
A Leader of Israel: Directed the army as they conquered the Promised land. Afterwards, he lead the people to divided and settle the Promised Land.
Covenant Keeper: Reinforced the Israelites’ commitment to God.

Joshua’s Lifespan

Joshua lived to be 110 years old. His life can be viewed in three phases:

Early Years: Born and raised in Egypt.
Wilderness Period: Served under Moses during the 40 years of wandering.
Leadership: Led Israel into the Promised Land and oversaw its conquest and settlement.

The Burial of Joshua

Joshua died and was buried in Timnath Heres (modern-day Kifl Hares) in the hill country of Ephraim.

Biblical Sources

Joshua’s story is found across several books:

Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy: His early years and role under Moses.
Joshua: His leadership and conquests.
Judges: His legacy.
Additional mentions: 1 Kings 16:34; Nehemiah 8:17; Acts 7:45; Hebrews 4:8.

Lessons from Joshua’s Life

Joshua’s life offers timeless lessons:

Faith: Trusted God’s promises even in the hard times.
Courage: Faced dangerous enemies with confidence.
Obedience: Followed God’s commands meticulously.
Leadership: Led with humility and strength.
Perseverance: Remained steadfast despite challenges and fear.

Reflection Questions

How can we cultivate Joshua’s courage in our daily lives?
In what ways can we lead our families or communities with faith and integrity?

The life of Joshua is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of steadfast leadership. His story continues to inspire and guide believers today.