Joshua facts for kids
Joshua son of Nun is an important person in the Bible. He was a brave leader and a close helper of Moses. Joshua is known for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses died.
Joshua first appears in the Bible as a young man. He served as a military leader for the Israelites. He led them in a battle against a group called Amalek when they attacked the Israelites. Joshua also stayed with Moses when Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive God's laws. Joshua waited at the bottom of the mountain for Moses to return. He didn't know that the people were making and worshiping a Golden Calf as a false god. Moses had to tell him about it later.
Joshua's Name and the Spies
Joshua's original name was Hosea. But Moses changed his name to Joshua. This new name means "The Lord is salvation." Moses sent Joshua as one of twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan. This land was also known as the Promised Land.
Ten of the spies came back with a scary report. They told the Israelites that the people in Canaan were too strong. They said it would be better to go back to being slaves in Egypt. But Joshua and another spy named Caleb disagreed. They told the Israelites that God would help them. They said God would make sure they would win against their enemies. Just as God had saved them from Egypt, He would help them conquer the Promised Land.
Leading the Israelites
When Moses died, God chose Joshua to be the new leader of the Israelites. Joshua was very sad about Moses's death for many months. But then God told Joshua it was time to conquer Canaan.
Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was a skilled general. He fought against many kings and managed to take control of most of the country. After the battles, Joshua divided the land among the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Each tribe received its own area to live in.
Joshua lived a long life and died after completing his mission. There is a book in the Bible named after him. It is called the Book of Joshua. It tells the story of his leadership and the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land.
Images for kids
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Moses Blesses Joshua Before the High Priest (watercolor circa 1896–1902 by James Tissot)
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Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gibeon by John Martin
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Joshua's Tomb in Jordan
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Joshua and the Israelite people, Carolingian miniature, c. 840
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The Israelites led by Joshua crossing the Jordan River with the Ark, Old Sacristy, Milan Italy, 15th c.
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Robert Hecquet, Israelites led by Joshua Crossing the Jordan River
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Israeli poster celebrating Yom HaAliyah (Aliyah Day) from the Yosef Matisyahu Collection
See also
In Spanish: Josué (personaje bíblico) para niños
