Renaming Hoshea

In the Bible, names are a powerful expression of a person's core and mission in life. They practically take on a life of their own.

In Numbers 13:16b, we learn that "Moses gave Hoshea (Salvation) son of Nun a new name—Joshua (God-Saves)" (MSG).

I wonder why "God Saves" was a better name than "Salvation?"

Maybe it's because Joshua was an active participant in bringing the Hebrews into the promised land. "God Saves" is a more active statement than "Salvation."