Who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites?

The correct answer is Joshua, who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites. This transition of leadership is significant within the biblical narrative, as Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan and demonstrated unwavering faith in God's promise to give the Israelites the land. After Moses’ death, God appointed Joshua to take up the mantle of leadership, enabling the Israelites to enter and conquer Canaan.

Joshua's leadership is characterized by his strategic military campaigns, including the fall of Jericho, and his role in distributing the land among the tribes of Israel. He is often noted for his strong faith and commitment to God's commands, emphasizing the importance of following divine guidance in leadership.

In contrast, Gideon, Samuel, and David were pivotal figures in the history of Israel but held leadership roles at different times and contexts. Gideon was a judge known for delivering the Israelites from Midianite oppression, Samuel served as a prophet and judge during the transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, and David became the king of Israel after the monarchy had been established. Each of these figures played critical roles, but they did not succeed Moses directly in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.