Summary of Joshua
The Book of Joshua chronicles Israel's entry into and conquest of Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. As the successor to Moses, Joshua leads the people in a series of military victories, demonstrating that God faithfully fulfills His covenant promises when His people act with courage and obedience.
Joshua 1:9"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Start Your Study
Read Chapter 1
Overview of Joshua
Joshua serves as the historical bridge between the wilderness wanderings in the Pentateuch and the period of the judges. Theologically, it is a testament to God's faithfulness, showing Him giving the land He promised to Abraham centuries earlier. The book emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God's law (the Torah) as the condition for success and blessing in the land.
Structure of Joshua
Entering and Conquering the Land (1–12)
Commissioning Joshua (1–2) → Crossing the Jordan (3–5) → Central Campaign (6–8) → Southern Campaign (9–10) → Northern Campaign (11–12)
This section details Israel's divinely-empowered invasion of Canaan. Under Joshua's leadership, the people cross the Jordan River on dry ground and secure the land through a series of decisive military victories, beginning with the strategic cities of Jericho and Ai.
- Joshua 1 - The Message of Joshua 1: Be Strong and Courageous
- Joshua 2 - A Deep Dive into Joshua 2: Faith Inside Enemy Walls
- Joshua 3 - A Deep Dive into Joshua 3: God Parts the Waters
- Joshua 4 - What Happens in Joshua 4?: Stones of Remembrance, Faith for Tomorrow.
- Joshua 5 - What is Joshua 5 About?: Consecrated for the Conquest
- Joshua 6 - What is the Message of Joshua 6?: Victory Through Obedient Faith
- Joshua 7 - A Deep Dive into Joshua 7: The High Cost of Disobedience
- Joshua 8 - Understanding Joshua 8: From Defeat to Redemption
- Joshua 9 - What is Joshua 9 About?: Deceived by Fear, Bound by Oath.
- Joshua 10 - The Real Meaning of Joshua 10: The Day the Sun Stood Still
- Joshua 11 - A Deep Dive into Joshua 11: The Final Conquest, Promised Rest.
- Joshua 12 - What Can We Learn from Joshua 12?: A Record of Victory
Dividing the Inheritance (13–22)
Instructions for Division (13) → Allotments for the Tribes (14–19) → Cities of Refuge & for Levites (20–21) → Eastern Tribes Return Home (22)
With the main conquests complete, the narrative shifts to the administrative task of distributing the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This section meticulously records the fulfillment of God's promise of an inheritance, transitioning Israel from a nomadic people to a settled nation.
- Joshua 13 - Understanding Joshua 13: Claiming Your Promised Inheritance
- Joshua 14 - The Meaning of Joshua 14: Faithfulness Claims Its Inheritance
- Joshua 15 - What is the Message of Joshua 15?: Claiming God's Promised Inheritance
- Joshua 16 - Insights from Joshua 16: Inheritance Claimed, Victory Incomplete.
- Joshua 17 - What Happens in Joshua 17?: Possess Your Promised Inheritance
- Joshua 18 - What Does Joshua 18 Mean?: Claiming Your God-Given Inheritance
- Joshua 19 - What Happens in Joshua 19?: A Place for Every Tribe
- Joshua 20 - A Deep Dive into Joshua 20: Justice, Mercy, and Refuge
- Joshua 21 - A Deep Dive into Joshua 21: Every Promise Kept.
- Joshua 22 - The Meaning of Joshua 22: An Altar of Witness
Covenant Renewal and Farewell (23–24)
Joshua’s Farewell Address (23) → The Covenant at Shechem (24)
The book concludes with Joshua's final addresses to the leaders and all of Israel. He recounts God's faithfulness, warns against idolatry, and calls the people to renew their covenant commitment to serve the Lord alone before his death.
How to Read Joshua
Read Joshua as a work of theological history, focusing on how God's actions fulfill His prior promises. The accounts of 'holy war' should be understood in their specific ancient Near Eastern context as a unique, temporary command from God to establish Israel in the land, not as a universal principle for conflict.
- God's command → Israel's obedience → Divine victory and blessing.
- Remembrance of God's past faithfulness as the basis for future obedience.
Key Takeaway
The Book of Joshua powerfully demonstrates that God keeps His promises, giving His people the land He swore to their forefathers. It serves as an enduring call to wholehearted obedience, showing that possessing God's blessings requires courageous faith and unwavering commitment to His covenant.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Start Your Study
The best way to understand Joshua is to start reading. Our guide to Chapter 1 breaks down the creation story, its key themes, and its theological importance.
Start Reading Chapter 1