DIVINE DISCOVERIES: JOSHUA’S MANDATE
Week 2: My name is Yehoshua
During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.
Study Chapters: Exodus 17, Numbers 11-14
Pilot text
Numbers 11:26-29 26 But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
28 So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!”
29 Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”
Numbers 13:16 16 These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua.
Numbers 14:6-9 6 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”
Discussion Points
Looking beyond just the content of the chapter, what can we infer about the intention behind this narration?
- Consider the events of Numbers 11:16-29. Why do you think Joshua wanted to stop those men from prophesying
- What lessons can we learn from Moses’ response to Joshua?
- In your view, what is the main significance of the name change from Hoshea to Joshua?
- How do you think Joshua’s name reflected in his (and Caleb’s) speech to the people when they rebelled?
- How would you say Joshua’s understanding of his own identity changed over time?
Closing thoughts: Like all of us, Joshua went through a period of self-discovery. During the earlier stages of his life and ministry, Joshua relied a lot on his own capabilities as his primary qualification. The earliest mention of Joshua that we see is in Exodus 17:8-13, where we see Joshua as a doer. By defeating Israel’s enemies in battle, Joshua demonstrated his skills as a warrior – something that set him apart from others and positioned him (in his eyes) to be the next generation of Moses’ trusted lieutenants. But as Joshua matured, he began to learn that our own works can only take us so far; and not very far at all when it comes to divine calling. His change of name reveals a recognition of his identity in the light of God. Hoshea means ‘salvation’, which is to some degree self-attainable to those who have the abilities (like Joshua did). But Joshua (Yehoshua) means ‘YahWeh saves’, which takes the spotlight firmly away from self to God. This transformation in character is evident when Joshua, along with Caleb, pleads with a rebellious people. When we understand that it is God that saves, we will know that we don’t need to be strong enough to win every battle; we only need to trust God enough to give it over to Him.
Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):
- ‘I don’t need to choose my battles because I won’t be the one fighting them – God will.’ What is your response to this statement?
- You are concerned that your friend is not taking sufficient ownership of their career development, in the sense that she is not taking any steps to develop herself or grow her value in the marketplace. You mention this to her, and her response is ‘the battle is not to the swift’. When you ask her to explain, she tells you that because God qualifies the called, His favour will take her to the career goals she desires. How would you respond to her?