Besides Adam and Eve, what person in the Bible had no earthly parents?

With a Subtitle: Joshua, son of Nun (Joshua 1:1).

A brief Excerpt: Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land after Moses died, conquered Canaan in obedience to God, and pointed forward to Jesus through his very name, which means "Yahweh saves."

The Author is: Jeff Hilles

Theology on the Lighter Side…. who is the Biblical Old Testament Joshua?

Who Was Joshua in the Bible?

Joshua was one of the most faithful leaders in Israel’s history, serving as Moses’ successor and leading God’s people into the Promised Land of Canaan. His life of obedience, courage, and trust in the Lord makes him one of the most important figures in the Old Testament, and his story continues to instruct and inspire believers today.

Joshua’s Early Life and Calling

Joshua was the son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephraim. He was originally named Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” but Moses changed his name to Joshua, meaning “Yahweh saves” (Numbers 13:16). This new name would prove prophetic, as Joshua’s life pointed forward to the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ.

From his youth, Joshua served as Moses’ assistant. He accompanied Moses partway up Mount Sinai when the Lord gave the Law (Exodus 24:13) and guarded the tent of meeting where God spoke with Moses (Exodus 33:11).

One of the Twelve Faithful Spies

When Moses sent twelve men to scout out Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb returned with a report of faith. The other ten focused on the size of the enemy, but Joshua and Caleb focused on the size of their God. They urged Israel, “If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us” (Numbers 14:8). Because of this faithfulness, they were the only adults of that generation permitted to enter the Promised Land.

Joshua as Moses’ Successor

After Moses’ death, the Lord appointed Joshua to lead Israel. God’s charge to him in Joshua 1:9 remains one of the most quoted verses in Scripture: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua took this calling seriously. He led with humility, depending on God’s instruction rather than his own strength.

Joshua’s Conquest of the Promised Land

Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground (Joshua 3), mirroring Moses’ parting of the Red Sea. The fall of Jericho followed, where the walls collapsed after Israel obeyed God’s unusual battle plan of marching and trumpet blasts (Joshua 6).

Through roughly seven years of campaigns, Joshua led Israel in defeating thirty-one kings and securing the land God had promised to Abraham centuries earlier. Every victory came not by Israel’s military strength but by the Lord fighting on their behalf, just as He had pledged.

Distributing the Inheritance

Joshua then divided the land among the twelve tribes, establishing each tribe’s inheritance and setting apart cities of refuge for those who killed accidentally (Joshua 20-21).

Joshua’s Final Charge to Israel

Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered the nation at Shechem and issued his famous challenge: “Choose this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). He died at 110 years old, having faithfully completed the work God gave him.

Joshua as a Foreshadow of Jesus Christ

The Greek form of “Joshua” is “Iesous”—the same name rendered “Jesus” in our English Bibles. Joshua led God’s people into an earthly inheritance, but Jesus, the greater Joshua, leads believers into eternal rest with God in Heaven (Hebrews 4:8-10). Joshua’s faithful life still points us to the One who truly saves.