Bible Book Summaries

History · Old Testament

Joshua

c. 1406–1375 BC

Section
History · Old Testament
Events span
c. 1406–1375 BC
Written
c. 1375 BC
Author
Joshua, with later additions

Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan into Canaan, conquering the land God promised (from the fall of Jericho to victories north and south), then divides it among the twelve tribes. It closes with Joshua's call to serve the LORD alone.

Historical setting: Entering and conquering Canaan, the Promised Land, then dividing it among the twelve tribes.

Key themes

  • Conquest of the promised land
  • God's faithfulness to his promises
  • Courage and obedience
  • Dividing the inheritance
  • Choose whom you will serve

Key events

Entering the Land (Joshua 1–5)

  • God commissions Joshua to be strong and courageous and lead Israel into Canaan Josh 1c. 1406 BC
  • Rahab hides the two Israelite spies in Jericho and is promised protection Josh 2c. 1406 BC
  • Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground as the priests carry the ark Josh 3–4c. 1406 BC
  • The new generation is circumcised and keeps the Passover at Gilgal Josh 5c. 1406 BC

The Conquest (Joshua 6–12)

  • Jericho's walls collapse after Israel marches around the city for seven days Josh 6c. 1406 BC
  • Achan's hidden sin causes defeat at Ai; after he is judged, Ai is taken Josh 7–8c. 1406 BC
  • The Gibeonites deceive Israel into a treaty of peace Josh 9c. 1406 BC
  • The sun stands still as Israel defeats a coalition of southern kings Josh 10c. 1405 BC
  • Joshua defeats the northern kings and takes the whole land Josh 11–12c. 1400 BC

Dividing the Land & Farewell (Joshua 13–24)

  • The land is divided by lot among the tribes; Caleb receives Hebron Josh 13–19c. 1399 BC
  • Cities of refuge and the Levitical cities are appointed Josh 20–21c. 1399 BC
  • The eastern tribes build an altar that nearly sparks civil war before it is explained Josh 22c. 1399 BC
  • Joshua renews the covenant at Shechem: "choose you this day whom ye will serve" Josh 24c. 1375 BC

Key lessons

  • God keeps every promise: the land pledged to Abraham centuries before is delivered, and “not one thing failed of all the good things the LORD had spoken.” Josh 21:45
  • Victory comes God’s way, not by human strength; Jericho falls to trumpets and faith, while one man’s hidden sin (Achan) is enough to bring defeat until it is dealt with. Josh 6–7
  • Receiving God’s blessing does not cancel responsibility; even settled in the land, each generation must still choose for itself whom it will serve. Josh 24:15
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9 KJV
Critical scholarship view

Where mainstream critical scholarship dates or attributes this book differently from the traditional view above.

Written
Part of the Deuteronomistic History, c. 6th century BC
Author
The Deuteronomistic historians