Joshua as a Leader – SS2 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Joshua, the son of Nun, took over from Moses as leader of Israel. Moses commissioned him before Eleazar the priest, and he led the people across the Jordan, took Jericho and called them back to the service of God before he died at the age of 110. His courage, trust in God and obedience made him a good leader.

Bible references: Numbers 13:16-34; 14:1-10; 27:15-23; Joshua 1:1-15; 6; 24:1-13.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain why Moses asked God for a successor;
• describe how Joshua was commissioned;
• outline the main tasks Joshua performed as leader;
• state the leadership qualities of Joshua;
• list the lessons we can learn from his leadership.

Why did Israel need a new leader?

While Moses was still alive, he sent twelve spies to spy on Canaan, as we have already narrated. All was then set for the conquest of the big city, and the people of Israel gradually approached it.

Moses was now very old. God had strengthened him to lead the children of Israel close to Canaan, the promised land, but God specifically told him that he would die. Moses therefore pleaded with God to appoint a leader to replace him and lead the people into the promised land.

How was Joshua commissioned?

God instructed Moses to choose Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom was the spirit of God, to lead Israel into the promised land. Joshua was among the twelve spies sent out to spy on Canaan. He was courageous and had faith in God.

Moses commissioned Joshua as leader before Eleazar the priest, in the full view of the congregation of Israel, by laying hands on him. As soon as Moses died, God gave Joshua words of courage and assurance. God also used this occasion to brief Joshua on his first assignment: leading the people across the Jordan.

What did Joshua do as leader?

• Joshua organised the people for the crossing of the River Jordan, and they crossed following God’s instruction.
• He set up a monument of stones as a memorial.
• He sent two courageous men to spy through Jericho and assess how prepared its people were for war.
• Following God’s specific instructions, the people marched around the walls and, on the seventh day, went round seven times and shouted. The walls of Jericho collapsed, and the people marched in and took the city, burning it completely.
• His last task before his death was to rededicate the people to the service of God. They promised never to serve any other god.

Joshua died at the age of 110.

What were Joshua’s leadership qualities?

1. He was a man of courage and was not given to fear. Despite the size of the giants of Canaan, he determined to fight them.
2. He had absolute trust in God.
3. He had the wisdom to calm fears, as seen in his speech to the people, telling them never to fear because of the massive stature of the Canaanites.
4. He followed God’s instructions and was very obedient. This was evident in how he led the Israelites across the Jordan and in the conquest of Jericho.

What lessons can we learn from Joshua?

1. A good leader must be able to endure and be patient.
2. We should trust in the Lord at all times.
3. When we serve the Lord faithfully, our lives are well spent.

Evaluation

1. Why did Moses ask God for a successor?
2. Describe how Joshua was commissioned.
3. What did Joshua do after the people crossed the Jordan?
4. Mention three leadership qualities of Joshua.

Assignment

1. Mention three leadership qualities of Joshua.
2. Describe the faith of Joshua.