The Book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Old Testament and marks the beginning of the historical books in the Bible. It details the story of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, who God appointed to succeed Moses. This book emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel, showing how He gave them the land He had promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Joshua is portrayed as a strong and faithful leader whose obedience to God results in successful military campaigns against the Canaanite nations. The book is divided into two main sections: the first part (chapters 1-12) narrates the conquest of the land, while the second part (chapters 13-24) focuses on the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Book of Joshua also highlights the importance of covenant faithfulness. Before crossing the Jordan River, Joshua reminds the people of Israel to remain obedient to God's law, as their success depends on their faithfulness to Him. The famous declaration by Joshua, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15, NKJV), encapsulates the book's central message: the necessity of choosing to serve God wholeheartedly. Through Joshua's leadership, the Israelites learn that victory comes through God's power and their commitment to His covenant.

PURPOSE: The Book of Joshua recounts Israel's conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

AUTHOR: The author is traditionally attributed to Joshua, with the possibility of later editorial additions. This belief is based on several factors:

  1. Internal Evidence: The book includes first-person accounts, particularly in the latter chapters, where Joshua speaks in the first person (e.g., Joshua 24:26: "Then Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God."). This suggests that Joshua himself was involved in writing at least parts of the book.
  2. Historical Continuity: The Book of Joshua directly follows the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses). Since Joshua was Moses' successor, it is logical to see him continuing the record of Israel's history.
  3. Traditional Jewish and Christian Beliefs: Both Jewish and early Christian traditions hold that Joshua authored the book bearing his name.
  4. Archaeological and Cultural Evidence: While not definitive, some conservative scholars point to the cultural and historical details in the Book of Joshua that align with the period traditionally associated with Joshua's leadership (around 1400-1200 B.C.). They argue that such details suggest an author who was a contemporary of the events described.

While acknowledging the possibility of later editorial work (such as the inclusion of Joshua's death and certain concluding remarks), Joshua is the book's primary author.

ADDRESSEE: The Israelites

DATE: The date of the Book of Joshua is typically placed around the 14th to 13th century B.C., shortly after the events it describes. This period is consistent with the biblical timeline, which places the conquest of Canaan around this time, following the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus.

SETTING: The Book of Joshua is set after the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. It begins as Joshua, the successor to Moses, leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, which is the territory of Canaan.

  1. Geographical Setting: Canaan is located in the eastern Mediterranean region, corresponding to modern-day Israel and Palestine. The land includes various terrains, such as mountains, plains, and valleys. The key regions mentioned in Joshua include the central hill country, the southern Negev desert, and the northern regions.
  2. Historical Background: This period marks the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled agricultural society. The Israelites are moving from a life of wandering to establishing a new nation in the land God promised to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  3. Political Context: The land of Canaan was occupied by various city-states and peoples with their own rulers and gods. The Israelites' conquest of Canaan involved military campaigns against these various groups to claim the land as their inheritance.
  4. Religious Significance: The setting emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The book highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Joshua's leadership is marked by the crossing of the Jordan River and the dramatic fall of Jericho's walls, both of which are significant events in the book. The narrative combines historical accounts with theological lessons, focusing on God's faithfulness and the Israelites' response to His commands.

KEY VERSES: Four key verses from the Book of Joshua capture key moments of faith, leadership, and divine intervention in the Book of Joshua.

  • Joshua 1:8 — “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
  • Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
  • Joshua 6:20 — “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”
  • Joshua 24:1 —  “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

BASIC STORYLINE

Joshua is divided into several major sections, each focusing on different aspects of Joshua’s leadership and the conquest of the Promised Land. Here’s a summary of the main divisions:

  1. Preparation for Conquest (Joshua 1-5):
    1. Joshua’s Commissioning (1): God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
    2. Spies and Rahab (2): Joshua sends spies into Jericho. Rahab, a resident of Jericho, hides them and helps them escape in return for her family’s safety.
    3. Crossing the Jordan (3-4): The Israelites cross the Jordan River, which miraculously parts, and set up memorial stones to commemorate the event.
    4. Renewal of the Covenant (5): The Israelites are circumcised and celebrate the Passover; the manna ceases as they eat the produce of the land.
  1. Conquest of the Land (Joshua 6-12):
    1. Fall of Jericho (6): The Israelites conquer Jericho after marching around the city for seven days, following God’s instructions.
    2. Ai and the Sin of Achan (7-8): After a defeat at Ai due to Achan’s disobedience, the Israelites successfully capture the city.
    3. Southern Campaign (10): Joshua leads a campaign against a coalition of southern kings, culminating in the miraculous event of the sun standing still.
    4. Northern Campaign (11): Joshua defeats the northern kings, consolidating control over the land.
    5. Summary of Conquests (12): A summary of the defeated kings and territories.

 

  1. Division of the Land (Joshua 13-21):
    1. Land Still to Be Conquered (13): This section details areas still needing to be conquered and provides instructions for dividing the land.
    2. Tribal Allotments (14-19): The land is divided among the tribes of Israel, with specific territories assigned to each tribe.
    3. Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities (20-21): Six cities of refuge are designated for those who accidentally kill someone, and cities are allocated to the Levites.
  1. Conclusion and Farewell (Joshua 22-24):
    1. The Eastern Tribes Return (22): The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh return to their land east of the Jordan, fulfilling their commitment to help the other tribes conquer Canaan.
    2. Joshua’s Farewell Address (23): Joshua gives a farewell address, reminding the Israelites to remain faithful to God.
    3. Renewal of the Covenant (24): Joshua renews the covenant between God and Israel at Shechem, and the book concludes with Joshua’s death and burial.

CHAPTER CONTENT:

  1. Commissioning of Joshua - God appoints Joshua as leader.
  2. Spies in Jericho - Rahab hides the spies.
  3. Crossing the Jordan - Israelites cross on dry land.
  4. Memorial Stones - Stones set up as a reminder.
  5. Covenant Renewal - Circumcision and Passover observed.
  6. Fall of Jericho - Walls collapse after marching.
  7. Achan’s Sin - Achan’s disobedience and punishment.
  8. Victory at Ai - Ai is conquered.
  9. Gibeonite Deception - Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty.
  10. Sun Stands Still - Joshua defeats five kings.
  11. Conquest of Northern Canaan - Campaign against northern kings.
  12. List of Defeated Kings - Summary of kings conquered.
  13. Division of the Land - Allocation of territories.
  14. Caleb’s Inheritance - Caleb receives his promised land.
  15. Judah’s Territory - Details of Judah’s land.
  16. Ephraim’s Territory - Details of Ephraim’s land.
  17. Half-Tribe of Manasseh - Land for Manasseh’s half-tribe.
  18. Land Distribution Continues - Distribution to remaining tribes.
  19. Final Allotments - Final land divisions.
  20. Cities of Refuge - Cities established for protection.
  21. Cities for the Levites - Levitical cities allocated.
  22. Eastern Tribes Return - Eastern tribes return home.
  23. Joshua’s Farewell - Joshua’s final address.
  24. Covenant Renewal at Shechem - Covenant renewal and Joshua’s death.