Joshua was born in Egypt, yet was given the name Hoshea, meaning "salvation." Moses later changed it to Joshua (Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." Moses appointed him leader of the Israelite army against the Amalkites (Ex. 17:9). Joshua served as Moses' right hand man, going part of the way up Mount Sinai with him the first time (Ex. 24: 13) and guarding his tent (Ex. 33:11). Joshua was one of only two men who encouraged the people to take the land (Num. 14), and therefore was allowed to enter the Promised Land. Upon Moses' death, God appointed Joshua to lead the nation of Israel (Num. 27:12-23). Under his command, they succeeded in conquering much of the land of Canaan (book of Joshua).
