The book of Joshua
The Book of Joshua
What is the book of Joshua about?
The book of Joshua chronicles the events after Moses' death. It details the Israelites breaking into the world as they inhabit the land that God promised to Abraham in Genesis 12.
With the conquering of Canaan, the world is put on notice that there is one true God and his authority is absolute. This was not to say that the Israelites were supposed to conquer the world, but rather be a blessing to the world. They had a specific mission for a specific area of land that they were promised.
Joshua (Moses' successor) was chosen to lead the Israelites into Canaan. Preparation included military strategy and also a rededication to God. They sent spies into the first city, Jericho, who took shelter with a prostitute named Rahab. She heard stories of the wrath of God and sought mercy in exchange for her assistance. God ultimately knocks the walls down by having Joshua and his followers march around the city for six days. Then on the seventh day, they marched around the city one last time, sounded their trumpets, shouted, and the walls fell.
On the next stop in their conquest of Canaan, there was a surprising defeat in the city of Ai. One of the Israelites (Achan) had taken plunder from Jericho that God had forbidden (gold, silver, and a Babylonian robe). Achan, his family, and livestock were stoned for this disobedience.
After the sin was dealt with, there was an interesting military strategy set forth by God to take Ai. Most of the men would draw out the army of Ai, while an ambush waited in the rear of the city. The former group would retreat as the Ai army chased them, all the while leaving Ai open for the taking.
After conquering Ai and numerous other cities/kings, the whole of the land was divided among the 12 tribes of Israel.
Who wrote the book of Joshua?
Traditionally believed to be Joshua, except for the final verses which outlines his death & legacy.
Who is the audience?
God’s chosen people (the Israelites) and later, the church.
Timeframe Joshua was written:
Likely between 1390 BC and 1375 BC.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
Joshua leads the second generation of Israelites into Canaan, the promised land. It is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God.
Fun facts about Joshua/Did you know?
Joshua died at the age of 110. talk about the crossing of the Jordan and how it was like crossing teh Red Sea (ch 3:15-18)
Joshua's crossing of the Jordan was like Moses taking the people through the Red Sea (ch 3 15-18)
