One of the truly remarkable and great servants of God in the Old Testament is Joshua. The important role he played in God fulfilling His purpose is sometimes overlooked. Had he not accomplished the work he did, the history of Israel would have been so different. We must never overlook how just how vital He was in accomplishing God’s plan.
Joshua is first mentioned before the Jews, who had just walked through the Red Sea, ever arrived at Mt. Sinai. They were attacked by the Amalekites, and Moses chose Joshua to be the “General” who lead the Jews in fighting against this enemy (Ex. 17:9).
The next time he is mentioned is as Moses ascended to the top of Mt. Sinai, Joshua is described as Moses’ assistant or minister who went with him (Ex. 24:13). Forty days later, as Moses was coming down the mountain, Joshua called Moses’ attention to the noise coming up from people worshiping the golden calf (Ex. 32:17). Before climbing the mountain, Aaron and Hur are put in command of the nation, and as Moses departed he said to them that we will come back down to you (Ex. 24:14).
Joshua surfaces again about a year later when twelve spies were chosen to go and bring a report about the promised land. Joshua was chosen as the representative of the tribe of Ephraim. He along with Caleb were the only two spies who urged the people to immediately enter the land.
The most vital role given to Joshua was when Moses laid his hands on Joshua to give him the Holy Spirit and appointed him to take the leadership role Moses imparted to him (Deut. 31:23; 34:9). Joshua assumed that role and successfully took the land God had promised the Jews. He was part of God completely fulfilling their possession of that land (Josh. 21:43-45).
Joshua had been part of giving the Jews the Sabbath rest and the rest in the Promised Land, but there was another rest God had in mind that Joshua did not give them. Hebrews chapter four describes how David (who lived more than 500 years after Joshua) told Israel of another rest that God had in mind for them. It was not just for them but for all of us. “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9). Joshua had given the Jews the rest of the Sabbath and the rest in the promised land, but David spoke of another. Our rest is not in the seventh day Sabbath or in Palestine (Joshua had given both of these to the Jews), but Joshua did not give them rest that remains (Heb. 4:8). It is the rest awaiting us in heaven, and the Bible urges us to “labor to enter that rest” (Heb. 4:11). This is why we sing, “O land of rest for thee I sigh…”