Joshua records Israel’s transition from wilderness wandering to conquering and settling the promised land. Under Joshua’s leadership, the people experience God’s faithfulness, military victory, covenant renewal, and the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham. The book highlights courage, obedience, and God’s power to give victory when His people trust Him.
Background
Author: Traditionally Joshua, with later additions by other scribes
Audience: Israel
Date: Around 1400–1370 BC or 1250–1220 BC depending on chronology
Location Written: Canaan
Context: After Moses’ death, Joshua leads the next generation of Israelites across the Jordan River into the land God promised. The book includes major battles, territorial divisions among the tribes, and covenant reaffirmations. Joshua emphasizes that God is faithful to His word and that Israel’s success depends on obedience and reliance on Him.
Characters
- Joshua — courageous leader chosen to bring Israel into the promised land
- God — commander, protector, and fulfiller of His promises
- Rahab — Canaanite woman who showed faith and aided Israel’s spies
- Achan — Israelite whose disobedience brought judgment on the nation
- Caleb — faithful spy rewarded with inheritance in the land
- Israelites — God’s people entering and settling the land
Major Events
- God commissions Joshua as Moses’ successor (Chapter 1)
- Crossing the Jordan River and setting up memorial stones (Chapters 3–4)
- Conquest of Jericho through God’s miraculous intervention (Chapter 6)
- Failure at Ai due to Achan’s sin, followed by eventual victory (Chapters 7–8)
- Gibeonite deception and Israel’s treaty with them (Chapter 9)
- Southern and northern campaigns conquering the land (Chapters 10–12)
- Division of the land among the tribes (Chapters 13–21)
- Joshua’s farewell speeches and covenant renewal at Shechem (Chapters 23–24)
Application & Life Lessons
- God keeps His promises and fulfills them in His timing
- Courage comes from trusting God’s presence and word
- Obedience is essential for spiritual victory
- Hidden sin can hinder an entire community
- God can use anyone who responds to Him with faith
- Remembering God’s works strengthens future faithfulness
- Commitment to God must be renewed regularly
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Joshua
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Joshua
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Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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