Author

This book was written by Joshua. The epilogue at the end, 24:29-33, must have been added in by others. The author was moved by the Holy Spirit to record the work of God and the history of Israelites for the people in the later time to know that God is a living God who lives forever and His promise is real.

Joshua was the descendant of Joseph under the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chr 7:20-27). His grandfather Eliazamar was a leader of Ephraimites (1 Chr 7:20).

Joshua was a faithful assistant to Moses (Ex 21:17, 33:11). He had the spirit of God in his heart (Num 27:15-23, 34:17; Deut 1:38, 3:28, 34:9). He was also a great warrior. Once he led a great army to defeat the Amalekites (Ex 17:13). When Aaron allowed the people to worship the golden calf, Joshua was the only one who was on the mountain waiting for Moses (Ex 24:13). He was also a spy with great faith (Num 13:31-33, 24: 8-9, cf. Gen 13:14-17).

The original name of Joshua is “Hosea.” Moses changed it to “Joshua,” meaning “the true God is the redeemer.” It prefigures that Christ is the great commander of redemption.

1.    He led the people to enter into Canaan. It prefigures that Christ will lead the believers to enter into spiritual rest (Rom 8:37; 2 Cor 1:10, 2:14; Heb 4:8-10).

2.    He supplicated for the people. This prefigures that Christ is the mediator, supplicating for our sins (Josh 7:5-9; 1 Jn 2:1).

3.    He distributed lands to the people. This prefigures that Christ gives spiritual possessions (Eph 1:11-14).