17 Interesting Facts About Joshua From the Bible

Joshua was more than just a military leader — he was a man of deep faith, bold obedience, and unwavering courage. As Moses’ successor, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, proving that trust in God can move nations and conquer giants 🏞️🔥. 

His story is filled with lessons about leadership, loyalty, and the power of God’s promises. In this list, we explore 17 fascinating facts about Joshua that go beyond the Sunday school version — from his early beginnings to the miraculous victories and spiritual legacy he left behind 🙌📜. 

Whether you’re a Bible scholar or just curious about his journey, these insights will inspire and deepen your understanding of this mighty servant of God.

Who Was Joshua? 🤔

Joshua is one of the most significant leaders in biblical history, serving as Moses’ successor and the commander who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His name is synonymous with courage, faith, and unwavering obedience to God. Joshua’s life story demonstrates how God prepares and uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

1. Joshua Was Moses’ Apprentice 👨‍🎓

Joshua served faithfully under Moses for decades, learning leadership and developing his relationship with God. He accompanied Moses on Mount Sinai and was present during crucial moments of Israel’s wilderness journey.

Scripture Reference: Exodus 24:13 – “So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.”

2. His Name Means ‘The Lord Is Salvation’ ✨

Originally called Hoshea (meaning “salvation”), Moses renamed him Joshua, meaning “The Lord is salvation.” This name change prophetically indicated his role in God’s plan of deliverance.

Scripture Reference: Numbers 13:16 – “These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land. (Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.)”

3. He Was One of the 12 Spies 🕵️‍♂️

When Moses sent twelve spies to scout Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb returned with faith-filled reports. While ten spies spread fear, these two trusted God’s promise of victory.

Scripture Reference: Numbers 14:6-7 – “Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.'”

4. Joshua Led the Israelites Across the Jordan River 🌊

Joshua’s first major miracle as leader involved crossing the flooding Jordan River. God stopped the waters, allowing over two million Israelites to cross on dry ground.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 3:17 – “The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.”

5. The Battle of Jericho Is Joshua’s Most Famous Victory 🏰

Following God’s unusual battle plan, Joshua led Israel in marching around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls miraculously collapsed after the people shouted and trumpets sounded.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 6:20 – “When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.”

6. Joshua Experienced God’s Presence 👼

Before the Battle of Jericho, Joshua encountered the “commander of the Lord’s army,” likely a theophany (appearance of God). This divine encounter strengthened Joshua for the battles ahead.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 5:14 – “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

7. Joshua Was Known for His Obedience 🙏

Throughout his leadership, Joshua demonstrated complete obedience to God’s commands. He never questioned or modified God’s instructions, no matter how unusual they seemed.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 11:15 – “As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.”

8. He Led the Israelites in Covenant Renewal 📜

Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered all Israel at Shechem for a covenant renewal ceremony. He challenged the people to choose whom they would serve and made his famous declaration of faith.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:15 – “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

9. Joshua Lived to 110 Years Old 🎂

Joshua enjoyed a long life of 110 years, which was considered a sign of God’s blessing in ancient times. He died having successfully fulfilled his mission of settling Israel in the Promised Land.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 24:29 – “After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten.”

10. Joshua Is a Symbol of Jesus ✝️

Joshua’s Hebrew name (Yeshua) is the same as Jesus’ name. Both led God’s people into rest – Joshua into the earthly Promised Land, Jesus into eternal spiritual rest.

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:8-9 – “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”

11. He Was from the Tribe of Ephraim 🏛️

Joshua belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. This tribal heritage connected him to the patriarchal promises and Egypt’s history.

Scripture Reference: Numbers 13:8 – “from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun.”

12. Joshua Conquered 31 Kings 👑

During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua defeated thirty-one kings and their armies. This remarkable military achievement demonstrated God’s power working through faithful leadership.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 12:24 – “the king of Tirzah one: thirty-one kings in all.”

13. He Made the Sun Stand Still ☀️

In Joshua’s most extraordinary miracle, he commanded the sun and moon to stand still during battle against the Amorites. God honored this bold prayer with extended daylight.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 10:13 – “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies.”

14. Joshua Established Cities of Refuge 🏘️

Following Moses’ instructions, Joshua designated six cities of refuge where people who accidentally killed someone could find protection from revenge.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 20:2 – “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses.”

15. He Divided the Promised Land 🗺️

Joshua oversaw the distribution of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel, ensuring each tribe received their inheritance according to God’s promises.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 14:1 – “Now these are the areas the Israelites received as an inheritance in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun and the heads of the tribal clans of Israel allotted to them.”

16. Joshua Built an Altar on Mount Ebal ⛰️

In obedience to Moses’ command, Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal and read the entire law to the assembled nation, including blessings and curses.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 8:30 – “Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel.”

17. He Never Lost a Battle ⚔️

Throughout the entire conquest of Canaan, Joshua never suffered a military defeat when following God’s instructions. His only setback at Ai occurred due to Israel’s disobedience.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 21:44 – “The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands.”

Summary Table of Facts: 📊

Fact	Details	Emoji
1. Moses’ Apprentice	Served faithfully under Moses for decades	👨‍🎓
2. Name Meaning	“The Lord is salvation”	✨
3. One of 12 Spies	Trusted God’s promise about conquering Canaan	🕵️‍♂️
4. Jordan Crossing	Led Israel across the miraculous Jordan River	🌊
5. Battle of Jericho	Famous victory with falling walls	🏰
6. Divine Encounter	Met the commander of the Lord’s army	👼
7. Complete Obedience	Never questioned God’s commands	🙏
8. Covenant Renewal	Led Israel in recommitting to God	📜
9. Lived 110 Years	Died after a blessed, long life	🎂
10. Symbol of Jesus	Name and mission parallel Christ	✝️
11. Tribe of Ephraim	Heritage from Joseph’s lineage	🏛️
12. Conquered 31 Kings	Defeated all enemies in Canaan	👑
13. Sun Stood Still	Miraculous extended daylight for battle	☀️
14. Cities of Refuge	Established protection for the innocent	🏘️
15. Land Division	Distributed inheritance to twelve tribes	🗺️
16. Mount Ebal Altar	Built altar and read the law	⛰️
17. Never Lost Battle	Perfect victory record when obedient	⚔️

Read God’s Word – Know Jesus, Savior and Friend 💕

Joshua’s life points us to Jesus Christ, our ultimate Joshua who leads us into spiritual victory. Just as Joshua conquered physical enemies, Jesus conquered sin and death. Study Joshua’s faithful example to grow in courage and obedience to God.

Key Verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Conclusion 

Joshua’s remarkable life demonstrates that God uses faithful servants to accomplish His purposes. From apprentice to conqueror, from follower to leader, Joshua’s journey inspires believers to trust God completely and obey Him fully. His legacy reminds us that with God’s presence, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary victories for His glory.