Leading the Israelites into the Promised land. By Elana Roth

Joshua's Life & Death

The book of Joshua contains many similarities to the story of Moses:
-          Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua leads them into Canaan.
-          Moses leads Israelites miraculously across Red Sea. Joshua leads them miraculously across the Jordan River.
-          Moses sends out spies into Canaan. Joshua sends out two spies to Jericho.
-          Moses allocates land on the east side of the Jordan. Joshua allocates land on the west side of the Jordan.
-          And finally, Moses gives a prolonged address before dying, as does Joshua. This farewell address at the end of the book brings the parallelism between the two leaders full circle.

Joshua died when he was 110 years old. Only one other patriarchal figure lived exactly to 110--Joseph. And the Book of Joshua connects these two leaders in the final lines of the book. After Joshua has already passed away, we find this: "The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shehem" (24:32).

 Joseph was responsible for bringing the Israelites down to Egypt. But Joshua has led the people back to the Land of Canaan, officially ending the exile and opening a new chapter in Israelite history in which the people inherit their homeland.