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Bible Dictionaries
Joshua
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or 1. Son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim. His name was originally OSHEA, or HOSHEA, but it was changed by Moses into Jehoshua, and this was contracted into Joshua, which is the same as JESUS in the Greek, and signifies 'Jehovah the saviour.' Joshua was one of the twelve spies, and he with Caleb brought up a true report of the land, and was one of the two survivors of the men who came out of Egypt that entered the land. The first notice of Joshua is when he led the army against the Amalekites and overcame them while Moses' hands were held up. Exodus 17:9 . He is afterwards called the 'minister' of Moses, and as such he went up with him into the mount of God. Exodus 24:13; Exodus 32:17 . Joshua was appointed the successor of Moses, not as law-giver, but as leader. He had 'the spirit,' and some of the honour of Moses was put upon him. Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 1:38; Deuteronomy 3:28 .
The principal work of Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the land of promise, not on the ground of their righteousness, but of the promises made to the fathers; the subjugation of the former inhabitants, and dividing the land as a possession for the twelve tribes, and these things are recorded in the BOOK OF JOSHUA. In these points Joshua was a type of Christ as leader or Captain of His saints. He is once called JESHUA. Nehemiah 8:17 .
2. A Beth-shemite in whose field the cows stopped when they brought up the ark from the Philistines. 1 Samuel 6:14,18 .
3. Governor of the city of Jerusalem in the days of Josiah. 2 Kings 23:8 .
4. Son of Josedech: high priest, who on the return from exile was called upon to be strong in building the temple. Haggai 1:1,12,14; Haggai 2:2,4 . He is also referred to as representing the people, clothed with filthy garments, and Satan standing as his enemy. Jehovah rebuked Satan, for He had chosen Jerusalem. Joshua could not make himself fit, but the filthy garments were taken away and he was clothed, and had a fair mitre placed upon his head. His experience represents how God will bring Israel into blessing under Christ the Branch, though it may be applied to the salvation of a sinner now. Zechariah 3:1-9; Zechariah 6:11 . He is called JESHUA in Ezra and Nehemiah. See JESHUA, No. 3.