Who Wrote the Book of Yehoshua? And Who Instructed the Jewish People to Leave Egypt Early?

Who wrote the Book of Yehoshua (Joshua)?

1. Some say it was Yehoshua (Bava Batra 14b).

2. Others say it was the prophet Shmuel (The Abarbanel’s introduction to the Book of Yehoshua).

What service did Yehoshua perform for Moshe?

Yehoshua would wake up early every morning and select the best quality manna for Moshe, saying: "This is for my teacher Moshe" ("Batei Midrashot" Part 1, Tzedakot Chapter 1).

Who were the people from whom Hashem completely removed free will?

Moshe and Yehoshua (The Meshech Chochmah’s introduction to the Book of Shemot).

On which day did Moshe die, and where is this hinted at in the verse?

Moshe passed away on Shabbat, as the second letters of the Hebrew words "Moshe My servant is dead" (Yehoshua 1:2) form the word "Shabbat" (Tashbetz by a student of Maharam, sign 448).

Moshe was the master of all prophets. Who ranked next in prophecy?

The prophet Shmuel (Maharchu in 'Sha'ar Ruach HaKodesh' page 1).

"Only be strong and very courageous to observe to do according to all the law which Moshe My servant commanded you; turn not from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go" (Yehoshua 1:7). What is the difference between "be strong" and "courageous"?

"Be strong" refers to the body (corresponding to positive commandments), and "courageous" refers to the heart (corresponding to negative commandments) (Explanation of the Vilna Gaon).

And physical strength depends on spiritual strength (Malbim).

What blessing did Yehoshua recite over the Torah?

Blessed is Hashem Who gave the Torah to Israel through Moshe our teacher ("Sifri" in Parshat Nitzavim, section 305).

Hashem tells Yehoshua: "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth" (1:8). Which "book" is being referred to?

The Book of Devarim (Bereishit Rabbah, Parasha 6, Section 9).

Who came to fight against Yehoshua after he defeated the 31 kings?

A man by the name of Shuvach, the son of a king who was killed by Yehoshua, became king, and gathered all the kings of Persia and Media and an additional 45 kings. Together, they sent a threatening letter to Yehoshua and indicated that they were on their way to fight him. Yehoshua responded in the name of Hashem that he was on his way to them, and, indeed, Yehoshua defeated them (Yalkut Me'am Lo'ez. It is recommended to read the full story there).

Who was the Jew who told the Jewish people to leave Egypt early?

Nun, Yehoshua's father! He told his children: "Hashem has revealed Himself to me to take you out of Egypt!"

And what happened to them in the end?

They died, and the prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) resurrected them (Yalkut Shimoni, Divrei Hayamim I, hint 877).

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