appeared at the time, we are enabled to discern a propriety and excellency in it. It was altogether of a typical nature : for while he represented the law, Joshua, his successor, was a very eminent type of Christ. The text naturally leads us to shew this: and we shall,
I. Trace the resemblance which exists between Joshua and the Lord Jesus Christ — Joshua resembles Christ —
1. In his name —
[The name of Joshua was intended to designate his work and office. His name originally was Osea, but was altered by Moses to Joshua b. This, doubtless, was of God's appointment, that he might be thereby rendered a more remarkable type of Jesus. This name imported, that he should be a divine saviour c ; and though, in the strictest and fullest sense, it could not properly belong to him ; yet, as he was to be such a distinguished representative of Jesus, it was very properly given to him.
The name of Jesus still more fitly characterized the work that was to be performed by him. This name is precisely the same with Joshua in the Greek language ; and repeatedly do we, in the New Testament, translate it, "Jesus," when it ought rather to have been translated, " Joshuad." It was given to our Lord by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb e : and the express reason of it was assigned, namely, that " he should save his people from their sins." To him it is applicable in the fullest extent, because he is " God manifest in the flesh," " Emmanuel, God with us ;" and because he is the author, not of a typical and temporary, but of a real and eternal, salvation to ah his followers f.]
This striking coincidence, with respect to the name, may prepare us for fuller discoveries of a resemblance,
2. In his office —
[Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites into the pro- mised land. Moses was not permitted to do this. He was destined to represent the law, which was admirably calculated to lead men through the wilderness, but could never bring them into the land of Canaan : one offence against it destroyed all hope of salvation by itg: it made no provision for mercy: its
h Numb. xiii. 16.
c Jah, which was prefixed to his name, is the name of God. d Acts vii. 45. Heb. iv. 8. e Matt. i. 21. f Heb. v. 9.
s Gal. iii. 10.