Meaning:
Its source is Yehoshua, a Hebrew name meaning "God is salvation."
Languages:
This boy's name is used in Arabic.
Narrative:
In the Jewish scriptures, Joshua, which is the source for the name Jesus, is the hero of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. Successor to Moses, he is a mighty soldier who is also known for his piety and fairness.
Joshua features in a well-loved African-American spiritual that recounts: ''Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls came a-tumblin' down!'' The ancient site of Jericho has been excavated by many scientists over the last century. They still puzzle over the miracle described in the song -- at Joshua's command, the people surrounding the city blew rams' horns and raised a shout so mighty that Jericho's defenses crumbled, giving the battle to the Children of Israel.
