History · Old Testament
Joshua
c. 1406–1375 BC
- Section
- History · Old Testament
- Events span
- c. 1406–1375 BC
- Written
- c. 1375 BC critical view: Part of the Deuteronomistic History, c. 6th century BC
- Author
- Joshua, with later additions critical view: The Deuteronomistic historians
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.
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
- Rahab hides the two Israelite spies in Jericho and is promised protection
- Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground as the priests carry the ark
- The new generation is circumcised and keeps the Passover at Gilgal
The Conquest (Joshua 6–12)
- Jericho's walls collapse after Israel marches around the city for seven days
- Achan's hidden sin causes defeat at Ai; after he is judged, Ai is taken
- The Gibeonites deceive Israel into a treaty of peace
- The sun stands still as Israel defeats a coalition of southern kings
- Joshua defeats the northern kings and takes the whole land
Dividing the Land & Farewell (Joshua 13–24)
- The land is divided by lot among the tribes; Caleb receives Hebron
- Cities of refuge and the Levitical cities are appointed
- The eastern tribes build an altar that nearly sparks civil war before it is explained
- Joshua renews the covenant at Shechem: "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
“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.”