Joshua

Joshua, whose name means "the Lord saves," was Moses' assistant from his youth. He was one of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan, and along with Caleb, he gave a faith-filled report: "The Lord is with us: fear them not." For their faith, Joshua and Caleb were the only adults from their generation permitted to enter the Promised Land.

When Moses died, God commissioned Joshua with the charge to be strong and courageous, promising that no man would be able to stand before him. Joshua led the people across the Jordan River, which God miraculously parted as He had the Red Sea. At Jericho, Joshua encountered the Captain of the Lord's host and received instructions for a most unusual battle strategy: march around the city once a day for six days, then seven times on the seventh day, then shout. When Israel obeyed, the walls fell flat.

The conquest of Canaan continued with both victories and setbacks. The defeat at Ai came through Achan's hidden sin. The Gibeonites tricked Joshua into a treaty. But city after city fell as Joshua led the people in faithful obedience. Eventually, he divided the land among the tribes and established the people in their inheritance.

In his farewell address, Joshua called Israel to decision: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." He died at 110 years old, and Scripture records that Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and the elders who outlived him—a testimony to his lasting influence.