Why Was Joshua Chosen to Lead Israel? A Lesson of Humility and Devotion

The 26th of Nisan, marks the yahrzeit (hillula) of Joshua son of Nun. May his merit protect us.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef of blessed memory once asked to be taken to Joshua's tomb on the day of his yahrzeit. He explained beautifully: Who learned Torah directly from Moses our teacher as Joshua did? Who could compare to him? There was no one like him.

Joshua is buried in the Arab village of Kifl Haris, near Ariel. Every year on his yahrzeit, many worshippers visit his resting place to pray.

Why Was Joshua Chosen?

Many great leaders could have succeeded Moses and continued his mission. Yet God chose Joshua.

The Torah describes him as: "Joshua son of Nun, the young attendant of Moses, never departed from the Tent." (Exodus 33:11)

The word "young" (na'ar) is understood by the sages to imply that Joshua humbled himself completely, remaining free of arrogance.

The sages famously taught: "The face of Moses was like the sun, while the face of Joshua was like the moon." Just as the moon receives its light from the sun, Joshua received his spiritual light from Moses.

Greatness Through Humble Service

Joshua did not become great by seeking honor.

He was the devoted servant who arranged the benches in the study hall, organized the holy books, prepared refreshments, spread the mats, adjusted the room for those who came to learn, and quietly took care of whatever was needed. Everything he did was marked by humility, dedication, faithfulness, and unwavering consistency.

God said to Moses: "Since he served you with all his strength, he is worthy to lead My people."

For this reason, the leadership of Israel was not passed to Moses' sons.

Torah leadership is not inherited. It is earned through labor, devotion, and self-sacrifice.

A Love for Torah Without Equal

Joshua possessed another extraordinary quality: an intense love for Torah.

God therefore told him: "This Book of the Torah shall not depart from your mouth."

How precious is such a love for Torah.

The same longing can be found in every person who delights in learning, who seeks another word of encouragement, another lesson in faith, another opportunity to grow spiritually.

The Letter That Protected Joshua

Joshua's original name was Hoshea.

Before sending the spies to scout the Land of Israel, Moses added the Hebrew letter yud to his name, transforming it into Yehoshua. In doing so, he blessed him: "May God save you from the counsel of the spies."

Joshua and Caleb alone remained faithful. Caleb was protected through his prayers at Hebron, while Joshua was protected through the blessing embodied in the additional letter of his name.

The Midrash asks an intriguing question: Where did Moses obtain that letter yud? It explains that the yud removed from Sarah's original name, Sarai, came before God and said: "Master of the Universe, You removed me from the name of that righteous woman."

God replied: "Previously you stood at the end of a woman's name. Now I will place you at the beginning of a man's name."

Thus, the letter became the first letter of Yehoshua.

The Leader Who Brought Israel Home

Joshua was privileged to lead the Jewish people into the Land of Israel.

He married Rahab, and eight prophets ultimately descended from their family. During his leadership, the Jordan River miraculously split before the nation. He conquered mighty kings whose influence stretched across vast lands.

After Joshua's passing, no single leader immediately succeeded him. Instead came the Elders, as recorded in the opening words of Pirkei Avot: "Moses received the Torah at Sinai and transmitted it to Joshua; Joshua transmitted it to the Elders…"

The study of Pirkei Avot is often described as the Selichot of the Counting of the Omer, as it serves as the spiritual preparation for receiving the Torah at Shavuot. It refines our character and reminds us that proper character precedes Torah.