Joshua 1

Joshua as a type of Jesus

Joshua (Yehoshua) — Jehovah is salvation; the same name as Jesus (Greek Iēsous)

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Joshua 1:1–2

Joshua carries the very name of Jesus. Moses, who stands for the law, dies outside the promised land; it is Joshua (Jesus) who leads the people over Jordan into their inheritance, picturing how Christ, not the law by itself, brings us home to God.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• alluded to by Acts 7:45 — The KJV calls Joshua 'Jesus' in recalling this entry into the possession of the Gentiles.
• alluded to by Hebrews 4:8 — 'For if Jesus had given them rest' — Joshua's rest points beyond itself to the rest Christ gives.

Jehovah

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

Jehovah, the premortal Christ, speaks His own promise of constant presence to Joshua. Hebrews later puts these same words in the Lord's mouth for every disciple who trusts Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · a footnote points to Him

• quoted by Hebrews 13:5 — 'for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'
• alludes to Deuteronomy 31:6-8 — Joshua 1:5 echoes the promise Moses had just given Joshua: 'he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.'

Jehovah

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

Jehovah's own charge to Joshua: courage comes not from Joshua's strength but from knowing the Lord goes with him everywhere.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Joshua 8:1 — The Lord repeats the charge to Joshua after Ai: 'Fear not, neither be thou dismayed.'

Jehovah giver of rest

Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. Joshua 1:13–15

The rest Jehovah gives in the land becomes, in later scripture, a picture of a deeper rest. Hebrews says plainly that the rest given under Joshua was not the final one, and the Doctrine and Covenants calls the Lord's rest 'the fulness of his glory.'

How we know: a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• alluded to by Hebrews 4:8-9 — 'If Jesus had given them rest... There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.'