Joshua

(Aids to Bible Studies)

Before the Israelites reached Mount Sinai, on their way out of Egypt, they were called to fight some of the tribesmen of the desert, at Rephaim, and Joshua, a young man, appears as the commander. From that point onward he steadily gained in favor as Moses’ assistant and as one of the twelve spies that went from Kadesh Barnea to view the promised land. When Moses laid down his charge at the threshold of the Conquest, Joshua became the director of the people. As general he planned the several campaigns by which the strength of the Canaanites was broken and possession of Palestine was gained. Then the land was apportioned among the tribes, and Joshua as his crowning service nobly enjoined the Israelites to be faithful to God.