Approaching the West — Page 61
A pproaching the West—61 Children of Israel may be obedient” (Numbers 27:18-20). Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with these people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is One who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:7-9). In this way, Joshua was declared to be the first Khal ī fah of Moses by Moses himself under God’s command. God assured Joshua that He will be with him as He was with Moses. Consequently, Joshua defeated the Canaanites with God’s miraculous help, and settled the Children of Israel in the Promised Land. Thus, he successfully completed the mission of Moses. He lived an irreproachable life, always remaining loyal to God and His commandments. He proved to be a great military and spiritual leader, discharging all his duties vigilantly, always seeking guidance and help from God. He was a calm and impartial judge, and led the people in religious rituals. After remaining Israel’s leader for three decades, he died of old age. As was revealed to Moses just before his death, the Israelites once again under the influence of Canaanites took to idolatry and started worshipping Baal, the false Phoenician god. As a Divine punishment, they lost several territories, including the city of Debir in the south-west of Hebron to their oppressive enemy, Chushan-rishathaim, the