Servant and Example

In the course of time, Joshua dies. The author of the book tells us, in a straightforward, factual manner, that he dies at 110 years of age and is laid to rest in his own “inheritance,” the land he was given in the mountains of Ephraim. At first glance, it seems that much could and should be said about him at his death. It seems he should be lauded for his military prowess, his leadership abilities, his courage, and more, but the author of the book chooses not to mention these traits here. Instead, he gives Joshua high praise as a servant of God and as a spiritual influence on Israel.

In the very first verse of Joshua, Moses is referred to following his death as “the servant of the LORD.” Now, after his own death, Joshua receives the same title. This is high praise indeed, and well deserved. How often throughout the book have we seen Joshua receive specific commands from God and then carry them out to the letter? He was one who led, but he was a soldier under command, as well. Though not the equal of Moses in terms of giftedness, he was as yielded and useful to God. As Matthew Henry writes, “Though Joshua was in many respects inferior to Moses, yet in this he was equal to him, that, according as his work was, he approved himself a diligent and faithful servant of God. And he that traded with his two talents had the same approbation that he had who traded with five. Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A second, more indirect tribute to Joshua in this passage concerns the conduct of the nation as a whole: “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua.” Joshua’s godly leadership certainly has much to do with this faithfulness. From his order to the people to “sanctify” themselves in advance of God’s miraculous working among them (3:5) to his exhortations to them to “Serve the LORD!” after his death, he exhibits great zeal to influence his people to live righteously before God. The apostasy that swiftly follows his death also points to the depth of his influence. “While Joshua lived, religion was kept up among them under his care and influence,” Henry writes, “but soon after he and his contemporaries died it went to decay … How well is it for the Gospel church that Christ, our Joshua, is still with it, by his Spirit, and will be always, even unto the end of the world!”