Joshua was a prince of the tribe of Ephrainf, and was born in Egypt. After the Exodus he became captain of the host, Exod. 17:9. With Caleb he brought back a good report of the land of Canaan, Num. 14:7. Having been found faithful in the smaller sphere, he was promoted to the wider one. As we have seen, one of Moses’ closing acts was to give him a charge. He represents the Lord Jesus, in his risen glory, as the Captain and Leader of the Church.

The land of Canaan was Israel’s by deed of gift; but Israel had to go up to possess it. Similarly God’s grace is ours, but we must claim it by putting the foot of our faith on God’s promises. Though Hittites,—our old evil habits,—revolt, if we meet them in the power of the Holy Spirit, they must yield. God is with us. Verse 5 is the perquisite of all believers. See Heb. 13:5, 6. But note that the weapon of successful conflict is God’s Word. It is our sword, Eph. 6:17. See also Jer. 15:16.