Joshua the Leader

Joshua was a strong and faithful man. He lived a long time ago, in the days after the people of Israel left Egypt. He worked closely with Moses and helped lead the people through the desert. When Moses died, God chose Joshua to take his place. Joshua became the new leader of the Israelites.

Joshua was not famous because of books or poems. He was known for his actions. He trusted God and obeyed Him. He helped the Israelites enter the land that God had promised to them. He led them in many battles and helped divide the land among the tribes.

He was strong and brave, but also humble. He knew that God was the true leader. He always listened for God’s commands and tried to follow them. He reminded the people to follow God and not forget His law.

Joshua is remembered for his courage. He never gave up, even when things were hard. He stayed faithful even when others were afraid. He showed that trusting God is more important than trusting in numbers or weapons.

Today, many Christians still look up to Joshua. He was not perfect, but he was loyal. He kept going when others stopped. His name means “The Lord is salvation,” and his life matched that meaning.

Before Joshua became the leader, he served Moses. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua was one of his closest helpers. He stayed near Moses and followed his instructions.

Joshua was also a soldier. He led the army in battle against a group called Amalek. Moses stood on a hill and raised his hands to God. As long as Moses’ hands were raised, Joshua and his men were winning. This story shows that Joshua trusted God and fought with courage.

When Moses went up Mount Sinai to speak with God, Joshua went part of the way with him. He waited there while Moses spoke with God. This showed how close he was to Moses. He was loyal and patient.

Joshua stayed faithful even when many others were not. When the people made a golden calf and sinned against God, Joshua did not take part. He stayed near the mountain, waiting for Moses to return.

Joshua watched and learned from Moses. He saw how Moses prayed and led the people. This time of learning prepared him for the day when he would be the leader. He grew strong in faith by staying close to a holy man.

At one point, Moses sent twelve men to explore the land of Canaan. Joshua was one of them. They were sent to see what the land was like and who lived there. They spent forty days walking through the land and looking at everything.

When they came back, ten of the spies were scared. They said the people in Canaan were too big and strong. They thought it would be too hard to take the land. They made the Israelites afraid.

But Joshua and another spy named Caleb had a different view. They said the land was good. They told the people not to be afraid. They said that God would help them win. They trusted that God would do what He promised.

The people did not listen to Joshua and Caleb. They cried and wanted to go back to Egypt. They even wanted to choose a new leader. God was angry because they did not trust Him. Because of this, the people had to wander in the desert for forty years.

Joshua and Caleb were the only two from that group who were allowed to enter the promised land. God rewarded their trust. They were patient and kept believing, even when others gave up.

This story shows Joshua’s faith. He did not let fear stop him. He believed God would keep His word. He stood firm, even when everyone else turned away.

After Moses died, God told Joshua to lead the people. This was a big job. Joshua was not a king. He was a servant who now had to guide thousands of people into a new land.

God told Joshua to be strong and brave. He said He would be with him just like He was with Moses. Joshua believed God’s words. He began leading the people toward the Jordan River, the border of the promised land.

God did a miracle. When the priests stepped into the river with the Ark of the Covenant, the water stopped flowing. The people walked across on dry land. This was like the Red Sea crossing, showing that God was still with them.

One of the first cities they faced was Jericho. The walls of the city were big and strong. But God gave Joshua a strange command. He told the people to march around the city for seven days. On the last day, they marched seven times and blew trumpets. Then the walls fell down.

Joshua did not question God’s plan. He followed every step. Because he obeyed, the people won the battle. This showed everyone that God was leading them.

Joshua led the people in many battles. Some were easy, some were hard. But in each one, Joshua prayed and listened to God. He knew that victory came from God, not from his own strength.

After the battles, the land had to be divided. Each tribe of Israel got its own place to live. Joshua helped make sure this was done fairly. He also gave cities to the priests and Levites.

Joshua built an altar and reminded the people of God’s law. He helped them remember all that God had done. He wanted them to stay faithful and not turn to false gods.

He called the people together and gave them a choice. He told them they could serve the Lord or choose other gods. But Joshua said something that many still remember today: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua knew he would die soon. He gave his last words to the people, urging them to follow God. He reminded them not to forget the covenant and not to mix with the people who worshiped idols.

He died at the age of 110. The Bible says the people served the Lord during Joshua’s life and for many years after. This shows how strong his influence was.

Joshua left behind a people who had seen God work. He helped lead them from fear to faith. He was a steady hand during a time of big change.

Joshua is not just a figure from long ago. The Church remembers him as a man of courage and faith. He is seen as someone who trusted God no matter what happened. His story teaches us to stay strong in faith, even when life is hard.

The Church honors him in the Roman Martyrology on September 1. His name is listed with respect. Though he is not a saint in the same way as those in the New Testament, his life is part of the holy history of God’s people.

Joshua reminds us of Jesus. They share the same name in Hebrew—Yehoshua, which means “The Lord saves.” Joshua led the people into a land of promise. Jesus leads us into the kingdom of God.

Joshua’s trust in God points us to something bigger. He obeyed when others doubted. He stayed faithful when others turned away. His story calls us to do the same.

In a world that often forgets God, Joshua shows us how to stay loyal. He reminds us that victory comes from God, not from power or plans. His life is a witness to hope, obedience, and courage.

He was not a rich man or a king. He was a servant. But God used him to do great things. And the Church still remembers him because of that.

He started out as Moses’ assistant. Basically his right-hand man and tent buddy.

His name was originally Hoshea. Moses changed it to Joshua, which means “The Lord saves.” Good upgrade.

He was one of the 12 spies sent to check out the Promised Land. Ten spies freaked out. Joshua said, “We’ve got this.”

He and Caleb were the only two who believed God could handle giant enemies. Everyone else panicked.

Because of their faith, Joshua and Caleb were the only adults allowed into the Promised Land after 40 years in the desert. Everyone else got stuck wandering.

He became the leader after Moses died. Big sandals to fill.

God had to keep telling Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” Which means… maybe Joshua was a little nervous.

His first big battle was Jericho. He won it by walking in circles. For seven days.

No swords, no shouting—just marching and trumpets. The walls fell like dominoes.

People probably thought, “This is the weirdest military plan ever.” But it worked.

Joshua didn’t just win battles—he divided up the land for the tribes like a holy real estate agent.

He once told the sun to stand still so they could finish a battle. And it did. No sunset that day.

He made a covenant with the people and put a big stone under a tree as a reminder. Classic ancient signpost.

He gave the famous line, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Instant plaque quote.

He lived to be 110 years old. That’s a lot of marching.

When he died, they buried him in the land he helped conquer. Full-circle ending.

He’s known as a leader, warrior, and man of faith. He wore a lot of hats.

He reminds us that faith means action—sometimes even weird action, like blowing horns at walls.

His symbol is often a ram’s horn (shofar), a sword, or the Ark of the Covenant.

He’s a patron of soldiers, leaders, and people facing huge tasks who say, “I don’t know how… but God does.”