March 16, 2011

• The Victorious Life of Joshua Part 1

  I recently purchased one of those chronological bibles that puts the events of the bible in the order in which it occurred. I find it interesting that God has me in this part of the bible at this particular point in time because of the things He’s been showing me lately. (I will return to my study in Isaiah later)
  
  Jos 1:1  Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

  The first thing I didn’t realize is that when Moses died, God was the one who buried him.

  Deu 34:5  So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
  Deu 34:6  And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre (burial place) unto this day.

  Additionally, Joshua’s name was changed by Moses.

  Hosea or Hoshea or Oshea = “salvation”
  1) family name of Joshua, the son of Nun

   Nun = “fish” or “posterity”
  1) father of Joshua the successor of Moses

  Joshua or Jehoshua = “Jehovah is salvation”
  1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan

  It seems it wasn’t so much of a change, but more of a refinement to the name. It became more defined, as opposed to being sort of a generalization. I also find it interesting that his father’s name means “fish” and “posterity,” and both words are synonymous here; ie: “fishers of men.” It’s almost as if having no fish, or no fishing to do, would leave one without “posterity.” It speaks of purpose.

  And, being that Joshua was one of the two spies of the twelve sent, that gave a good report; I wondered about the meaning of Caleb’s name, and did that speak to why he was not the one chosen as Moses’ successor. And yes, I think his name is at least one indicator. Despite the name of the tribe he comes from, his father’s name, and his especially, does not suit a leader for the Lord.

  Judah = “praised”
  1) the son of Jacob by Leah
  2) the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

  Caleb = “dog”
  1) the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favourably and urged its capture

  Jephunneh = “He will be facing”
  1) a Kenezite and father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah

  And mind you, Moses’ name did not have a specific spiritual meaning here, so I’m not saying that this is required. I just always find the meanings interesting, and I think it gives a bit of background on the person because of the fact that names have specific meanings, and that speaks to me of purpose also, or even direction.

  Moses = “drawn”
  1) the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

  Now, because Joshua’s story starts back in numbers, at least, this is the first place we start to see him; then I have to there and see exactly what was happening.
  

  • 8:14 pm
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