Book of Joshua - The Promised Land

Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible and the first of the Old Testament books that tells of Israel’s history after the death of Moses.

You can read about how the Israelites entered the land God had promised them and began settling there under Joshua’s leadership.

Who Wrote the Book of Joshua?

Joshua is traditionally seen as the primary author of the book, though some sections may have been added after his passing.

What is Joshua About?

The book of Joshua begins after Moses dies. God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land.

Joshua documented Israel’s battles, the allocation of land among the tribes, and his final instructions to the people. The book consistently reminded the Israelites that their success depended on trusting and obeying God.

Joshua includes several important events in Israel’s history:

• Joshua becoming Israel’s leader

• The spies meeting Rahab

• Israel crossing the Jordan River

• The fall of Jericho

• Achan’s disobedience

• The sun standing still during battle

• The land being divided among the tribes

• Caleb receiving his inheritance

• Joshua renewing the covenant

• Joshua’s final message to Israel

The book of Joshua highlights themes like courage, obedience, faith, leadership, inheritance, God’s promises, and the consequences of sin.

It shows that God keeps His promises, but His people must continue trusting and obeying Him as they move forward.

People to Look for in Joshua

In Joshua, read about some of the main people including:

• Joshua

• Rahab

• Caleb

• Achan

• Eleazar

• The Israelites

Bible Verses to Highlight

“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

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.”

Joshua 1:8

“For the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.”

Joshua 23:10

“And as soon as the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan... the waters of Jordan returned unto their place.”

Joshua 4:18

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho.”

Joshua 6:2

“So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.”

Joshua 6:27

“Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.”

Joshua 10:12

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.”

Joshua 21:45

“Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God.”

Joshua 23:11

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:15

Remember This About Joshua

Joshua is a book about entering and possessing the land God promised to Israel. It is written to show how God guided His people, fought for them, and fulfilled the promise He had made generations earlier.

It's a book that also teaches that courage is found in trusting God and following His instructions.

Where You Can Start Reading

To become familiar with Joshua, begin with:

• Joshua 1 — Joshua is called to lead

• Joshua 2 — Rahab helps the spies

• Joshua 3–4 — Israel crosses the Jordan River

• Joshua 6 — The fall of Jericho

• Joshua 7 — Achan’s disobedience

• Joshua 10 — God helps Israel in battle

• Joshua 14 — Caleb receives his inheritance

• Joshua 23–24 — Joshua’s final instructions

Joshua gives us a clear view of how God’s promises can be trusted. When you read this book, be sure to dwell on the connection between faith and obedience, courage, and moving forward with God.

Jessica Frazier