Old Testament · History
The Book of Joshua
God gives His people victory and rest in the Promised Land.
Joshua narrates the conquest and division of Canaan, showing God's faithfulness to give His people every inheritance He promised.
Author and background of Joshua
Author
Joshua (with later additions)
Date written
c. 1400 BC
Original audience
Israel in the land.
Set in the late 15th century BC as Israel transitions from wilderness to settlement.
Major themes of Joshua
The theology of Joshua centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.
God's character and glory
Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.
Sin, grace, and redemption
Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.
Covenant and promise
God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.
Worship and obedience
Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.
Key characters in Joshua
Joshua
Faithful leader, type of Christ.
Rahab
Gentile believer welcomed into Israel.
Caleb
Whole-hearted follower of the LORD.
Every chapter of Joshua explained
Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of Joshua — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.
Key verses from Joshua
"Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
"As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
How to apply Joshua today
Joshua is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:
- Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
- Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
- Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
- Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.
Pray Joshua back to God
- Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
- Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
- Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
- Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).
Study Joshua more deeply
Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for Joshua.
Keep going · Amazon picks
Go deeper into Joshua on Amazon
Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on Joshua. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: The product links below are paid affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure.
Commentaries on Joshua
Trusted verse-by-verse commentaries on Joshua.
Buy on AmazonShips from Amazon · Prime eligible titles
Joshua Bible study
Small-group and personal study guides on Joshua.
Buy on AmazonShips from Amazon · Prime eligible titles
Joshua devotional
Devotionals shaped by Joshua.
Buy on AmazonShips from Amazon · Prime eligible titles
Links open a curated Amazon search — prices, editions, and availability are shown on Amazon.
Joshua — frequently asked questions
+Who wrote the book of Joshua?
Joshua (with later additions) — written around c. 1400 BC.
+What is the main message of Joshua?
God gives His people victory and rest in the Promised Land.
+How many chapters are in Joshua?
Joshua has 24 chapters.
+Who was Joshua written to?
Israel in the land.
+What are the key themes of Joshua?
God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.