Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A book in the Old Testament: "Joshua" is the name of a book in the Old Testament of the Bible that describes the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.
   • A biblical figure: "Joshua" is the name of the Israelite leader who succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land (Canaan).

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Biblical book):

  • The story of the battle of Jericho is told in the Book of Joshua.
  • We studied the fall of Ai in our lesson on Joshua.

• Proper noun (Biblical figure):

  • After Moses died, Joshua became the leader of the Israelites.
  • Joshua is famous for the miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls.

Advanced Usage

• "Joshua tree": A type of yucca plant native to the southwestern United States, named by Mormon settlers who thought its shape resembled the biblical Joshua raising his arms in prayer.
  • The Joshua trees create a unique landscape in the Mojave Desert.

Variants and Related Words

• Joshuah (n): An archaic or variant spelling of Joshua.
• Jehoshua (n): A Hebrew form of the name Joshua.

Synonyms

• Successor: One who follows another in a position (in the context of succeeding Moses).
• Commander: A leader of a military force (in the context of leading the Israelite army).

Noun

1. a book in the Old Testament describing how Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan (the Promised Land) after the death of Moses
2. (Old Testament) Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land; best remembered for his destruction of Jericho