Joshua is one of the central figures in the anime series In the Beginning: The Bible Stories (Tezuka Osamu no Kyuuyaku Seisho Monogatari), and his presence throughout the narrative is both powerful and deeply inspiring. This animated adaptation brings to life the stories of the Old Testament, portraying key biblical events and characters with emotional depth and spiritual significance. Among them, Joshua stands out as a defining leader of the Israelites—a man chosen by divine will to carry forward the legacy left behind by Moses.
Now, when we talk about Joshua, it’s important to understand just how pivotal he is in this story. After the passing of Moses, it was Joshua who stepped up to lead the people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land—Canaan. And let’s be honest, that wasn’t an easy task. But Joshua? He handled it with strength, faith, and unwavering resolve. His leadership wasn’t flashy or boastful; instead, it was grounded in obedience to God and a deep sense of responsibility toward his people.
In the anime, Joshua is portrayed as a wise, courageous, and deeply faithful individual. He doesn’t seek glory for himself—his focus is always on fulfilling what he believes to be God’s plan. Whether leading troops into battle or making strategic decisions for the survival of the Israelites, Joshua consistently shows remarkable composure and clarity. It’s clear from his actions that he places immense value on discipline, order, and duty—all traits that define not only a great military commander but also a true spiritual leader.
One thing you notice about Joshua is how calm and collected he remains, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Sure, there are moments of doubt and difficulty—after all, conquering an entire land isn’t exactly a walk in the park—but Joshua never loses sight of his mission. His faith acts as an anchor, and his determination inspires those around him. In many ways, Joshua becomes a symbol of perseverance, showing viewers just how far conviction and courage can take a person.
From a psychological standpoint, Joshua seems to fit the ISTJ personality type—Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging. Now, if you’re unfamiliar with that term, think of someone who values structure, follows through on commitments, and makes decisions based on logic rather than emotion. That’s Joshua in a nutshell. He’s not one to make impulsive choices; every move he makes is carefully thought out. He respects tradition, honors authority—especially divine authority—and expects accountability from himself and others.
And while he may come across as reserved or even somewhat distant at times, that doesn’t mean he lacks compassion. On the contrary, his quiet demeanor often masks a profound sense of loyalty and care for his people. He simply expresses it through action rather than words. You won’t catch Joshua giving long speeches about his feelings, but you’ll definitely see him putting his life on the line for the safety of the Israelites. That speaks volumes.
Looking deeper, Joshua may also align with the Enneagram Type 1—the Reformer. People with this type are driven by a strong moral compass, a desire for integrity, and a relentless pursuit of what is right. They often feel a personal responsibility to correct injustice and uphold ethical standards. Sound familiar? That’s because it perfectly describes Joshua’s behavior throughout the series.
He doesn’t tolerate corruption or idolatry. When faced with opposition from the Canaanite kings, Joshua doesn’t hesitate to act—not out of hatred, but out of a commitment to righteousness. He wants to establish a society built on justice, guided by divine law, and free from oppression. Even in his strategies and leadership style, you can see the reformer mindset at work: meticulous planning, attention to detail, and a constant effort to improve outcomes.
Of course, no character analysis is set in stone. We can’t interview Joshua ourselves, so any personality typing should be seen as interpretive rather than definitive. But still, the evidence points strongly toward certain patterns—Joshua’s disciplined nature, his dedication to principle, and his structured approach to challenges all support the idea that he embodies both ISTJ and Type 1 characteristics.
All in all, Joshua plays a crucial role in In the Beginning: The Bible Stories, not just as a historical or religious figure, but as a model of leadership shaped by faith, integrity, and resilience. Through his journey, viewers are reminded of the power of staying true to one’s purpose—even when the path is difficult. And honestly, that’s something we can all learn from.
So, whether you’re watching the anime for spiritual insight, cultural appreciation, or character study, Joshua’s story leaves a lasting impression. He may not be the most outspoken character, but his impact is undeniable. Because at the end of the day, Joshua proves that quiet strength, combined with unwavering belief, can move mountains—or in his case, bring down the walls of Jericho.
Be strong and courageous.