📖 Biblical Definition
Joshua, son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim, was Moses’ aide and military commander throughout the wilderness years. He was one of the two faithful spies — with Caleb — who urged Israel to enter the land: "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9). After Moses’ death, the LORD commissioned him to lead Israel into Canaan: "Be strong and of a good courage" (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). He led the crossing of the Jordan, the fall of Jericho, the three-campaign conquest, the allotment of tribal territories, and the great covenant renewal at Shechem ("choose you this day whom ye will serve", Joshua 24:15). His Hebrew name Yehoshua is the same as Jesus.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Moses' successor; led Israel into Canaan; namesake of Jesus.
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Son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim. Moses' aide from Sinai onward; commander against Amalek; one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, and one of the two (with Caleb) who reported faithfully. Succeeded Moses upon his death (Deut 34; Josh 1). Led Israel across the Jordan, conquered Canaan in three campaigns (central, southern, northern), allotted the land to the twelve tribes, and led the covenant renewal at Shechem (Josh 24) before his death. His Hebrew name Yehoshua is the same name as Jesus (Yeshua) — YHWH saves.
📖 Key Scripture
Joshua 1:9 — "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Joshua 24:15 — "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Hebrews 4:8-9 — "For if Jesus (Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Joshua's same-name typology with Jesus often missed; the ultimate rest Hebrews 4 names is the connection.
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Yehoshua and Yeshua are the same name. Joshua brought Israel into earthly rest in Canaan; Jesus brings the saints into the eternal rest the earthly was a shadow of (Heb 4). Same name; same saving work; one shadow, one substance.
Recover the typology: Joshua's life is gospel-shaped. The greater Joshua — Jesus — brings the greater rest.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Yehoshua; Greek Iēsous.
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['Hebrew', 'H3091', 'Yehoshua', 'Joshua, YHWH saves']
['Greek', 'G2424', 'Iēsous', 'Jesus / Joshua']
Usage
"Be strong and of a good courage."
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve."
"Joshua and Jesus share the same name."