Joshua
Purpose
Joshua records the long-awaited fulfilment of the promise God made to Abraham: after four centuries in Egypt and forty years in the desert, Israel crossed the Jordan River and took possession of the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua son of Nun. The conquest is presented not as military strategy but as holy war dependent entirely on God — Jericho falls before trumpets and the sun stands still at Gibeon — making clear that the land is a gift received by faith, not territory seized by strength. The book is also candid about failure: Achan's secret sin at Jericho causes Israel's only battlefield defeat at Ai, teaching that covenant disobedience within the camp undermines the whole enterprise. The second half is a careful allotment of the land to the twelve tribes, ensuring every family receives its God-given inheritance, and closes with Joshua's famous challenge: "Choose this day whom you will serve."
Author
Traditionally Joshua, with later editorial additions
Time Period
Written c. 1400-1370 BC; events c. 1406-1390 BC
Key Themes
- Conquest
- Land
- Faith
- God's promises
- Courage
Outline
Preparation and crossing the Jordan (ch. 1–5): Joshua's commission ("be strong and courageous"); the spies and Rahab's scarlet cord; the miraculous Jordan crossing; circumcision at Gilgal and the Passover. Central campaign — Jericho and Ai (ch. 6–8): the walls of Jericho collapse; Achan's sin and defeat at Ai; Ai recaptured; the covenant read at Shechem. Southern and northern campaigns (ch. 9–12): the Gibeonite deception; the battle of Gibeon and the sun standing still; sweeping victories across the south and north; a list of thirty-one conquered kings. Allotment of the land (ch. 13–21): territorial boundaries for all twelve tribes; the cities of refuge and their purpose; the Levitical towns. Final charge and covenant renewal at Shechem (ch. 22–24): the altar of witness east of the Jordan; Joshua's farewell address reviewing God's faithfulness; the people's vow to serve the LORD alone.