Before we move forward into the first battle, there is one more detail we need to learn about Joshua. An important one!
What do you learn about Joshua’s name in Numbers 13:16?
The Hebrew name Joshua means, “Yahweh is salvation, deliverer.” Here’s the interesting thing: The name Jesus is the Greek derivative of Joshua. Many scholars believe that Joshua was a type of Christ. In addition to his name, here are a few comparisons just for example:
| Joshua | Jesus |
| Servant of Moses | Took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7). |
| Commander of Israel | Commander of heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). |
| Led Israel into their Promised Land | Will lead His people to their awaited Promised Land (John 14:2-3). |
| Mighty conqueror | The mighty conqueror over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). |
| A faithful leader | Our merciful and faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17). |
Jesus is the central theme throughout the entire Bible.
The Old Testament points toward the Messiah who would come to deliver His people from sin and death.
The Gospels (Matthew – John) show the fulfillment of the Messiah.
Acts follows the expansion of the early church with Jesus as the foundation.
The Epistles (Romans – 3 John) look back at Jesus, the cross and His resurrection.
Revelation looks toward the future prophesies about Jesus.
Obviously, we can certainly see the picture of Christ in Joshua.
How does this truth open up Scripture to you?
Now let’s move into the first battle. This is the first time in Scripture we encounter Joshua. And it’s also the first battle recorded. Read Exodus 17:8-16 and summarize briefly.
I have read this story many times. And each time, my heart skips a couple beats. Remember that everything we read in the Old Testament is a picture of our lives today. And this passage surely shows us the battle each of face daily – the battle of our flesh against God’s greatest enemy.
This isn’t just a picture of the battle we face, but it’s also a picture of how we can emerge a victor.
Let’s look a little deeper…
Who was chosen to be the commander on the battlefield (verse 9)?
According to Exodus 17:9-10, where was Moses, Aaron and Hur positioned?
What did Joshua fight with, according to Exodus 17:13?
Did the Israelites see victory this day? Explain.
There are two important things happening in this battle we need to address. One is on top of the hill, and the other is down in the valley. Next week we will examine them both exclusively, but today I want you to write down your evaluations.
Read through Exodus 17:8-16 again and record everything you see in both places:
On top of the hill…
In the valley…
Can you take away something from today’s lesson that is relevant to your life, or something you can apply to your life? What?
Until next time,
I found this interesting, Sheryl, that according to the New Spirit Filled Life Bible, Moses was the One who “changed Hoshea the son of Nun’s name to Joshua which means ‘Yahweh (The LORD) is Salvation.’”
I also loved rereading about Joshua’s first battle and the partnership that he had with Moses, who went and stood at the top of the hill with his arms held up to heaven in prayer. And when Moses’ hands became heavy, Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit upon, while they supported him on each side as “Fellow Intercessors.”
This reflects the “Passion of my Life,” which is to hold up my hands in prayer; that the people I dearly love will have the victory, just like Joshua and his men did in the valley because of the faithfulness of his Beloved Mentor and Friend, Moses.
Wonderful Lesson! Thank You, Sheryl!
The main point that stood out to me in this was the instructions God gave Moses after the battle was won. Vs. 14 …”Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make SURE that Joshua hears it’….” The thought came to me that God wanted to make certain Joshua knew the role that Moses, Aaron & Hur played in the victory and it was not his (Joshua’s) prowess and battle skills alone that won the battle. I needed that b/c sometimes I tend to withdraw and become an island unto myself and forget how needed my brothers and sisters are in this journey I am on in life. God put us together as family to do life together; to lift one another up in prayer and words of encouragement to keep pressing on for that which He has called each of us. Fullness of life in Jesus! VICTORY!!! Our collective prayers and warfare have a power that I fail to realize oftentimes! We need one another and God purposed it to be that way! Love you ladies and do so appreciate your prayers, love and words of encouragement.
WOW, Rommy!!! Your comment is powerful! Thank you for sharing this with us, your Sisters, And yes, we desperately need each other in this “Walk of Faith.”