MANY of the great leaders of Israel in their demonstration of Truth sometimes came so near to the Christ-idea that it might seem almost strange they did not attain completely to the standard of perfection. Each one of the great characters of the Bible manifested more particularly some predominant quality, or qualities, which rendered him distinctive. Not so much is heard of the great leader of Israel who followed Moses, as of Moses himself; yet to a remarkable degree Joshua influenced the destinies of Israel through preserving intact the state formed by Moses, through protecting the teachings of Moses for the use of future generations, and through carrying out in full the plan of Moses. It may be said that Joshua's characteristic quality was single-mindedness. He was spiritually anointed by God with that oil which Mrs. Eddy defines in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 592) thus: "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration."
So responsive was Joshua to the trust reposed in him. so entirely in accord with his mission was he, so unswerving was his obedience to God that he has even been considered as of the type called subordinate. Yet when one studies his character and his deeds, he is seen to have been possessed of rare spiritual qualities, and lacking in self-assertiveness or egotism. Under his guidance, it would seem as if a great spiritual idea had led Israel rather than a human personality. Ever at the head of the host, yet ever seemingly withdrawn from the commoner associations of the people; ever close to the inner shrine of the holies, Joshua always retained the complete confidence, love, respect, and obedience of his followers; for it is said, "And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua." This was the work of one who has been called prosaic; yet his work expressed courage, initiative, activity, and ability; it was the work of one who in his sublime selflessness trusted implicitly to the leadership and guidance of God.
When Moses knew that he was to leave this human experience, he had already recognized the leader chosen of God,—Joshua, whom he had trained and taught. Just one kind of leader could accomplish the work before them, and it was such a one as would wholly follow the Lord. When Moses charged Joshua with his mission, the great lawgiver knew that the latter would follow, without complaint or comment, the path marked out for him. Moses had already established the civil, ceremonial, and religious law of Israel: and on this basis Joshua was to lead the tribes into the land of their God-given inheritance, to which Moses had brought them. While Moses' commands were general, the specific manner of conquering the various Canaanitish tribes and dividing the land was Joshua's; for Moses could not have foreseen the many incidents and occurrences which afterwards arose.
