Bible Study Book of Joshua

Verses to read

• “Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

  Joshua 1:9

• “If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

  Joshua 24:15

• “Nothing failed of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.”

  Joshua 21:45

Who Was Joshua?

Joshua was a young man who worked closely with Moses. When Moses was the leader, Joshua was his helper. He was one of the few people who really trusted God to give them the new land. He did not let fear stop him.

After Moses died, God chose Joshua to be the new leader. God told him many times to be strong and brave. Joshua did not lead by his own power. He led by listening to what God told him to do.

Crossing the Jordan River

The first big move was crossing a deep river called the Jordan. There was no bridge for the people to use. God told the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant into the water. The Ark was a special gold box that showed God was with them.

As soon as their feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing. It stood up like a wall. The people walked across on dry ground. This miracle showed the people that God was with Joshua just like he was with Moses.

The Battle of Jericho

The city of Jericho had giant walls. The people inside were not friends of God. Instead of using swords first, God gave Joshua a strange plan. He told the army to march around the city once a day for six days.

On the seventh day, they marched seven times. They blew trumpets and gave a loud shout. The giant walls fell down flat. This story teaches us that God wins battles in his own way when we obey him.

Dividing the Land

After many battles, the land was ready for the people to live in. Joshua divided the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. A tribe is like a very large family group descended from one of Jacob’s sons.

Every family received a place to call home. Joshua reminded the people that God gave them this rest. Even though the work was hard, God provided exactly what he said he would.

Choosing to Serve God

At the end of the book, Joshua was very old. He gathered all the people together to talk to them one last time. He reminded them of all the good things God had done for them.

Joshua told the people they had to make a choice. They could serve other gods, or they could serve the one true God. Joshua famously said that he and his family would always serve the Lord. He wanted the people to stay faithful forever.

Common questions

What is the main message of the book of Joshua?

The main message is that God is faithful to his promises. It shows that when people trust and obey God, he leads them to victory and rest.

Why did the walls of Jericho fall?

The walls fell because the people obeyed God's specific instructions. It was a miracle from God, not something the soldiers did with their own strength.

How did Joshua become the leader?

God chose Joshua because he was a faithful servant to Moses and trusted God's power. Moses laid his hands on Joshua to show everyone he was the new leader.

Is Joshua in the New Testament?

Joshua's name is the same as the name Jesus in the Hebrew language. Both names mean 'The Lord Saves,' and Joshua's leadership points us toward Jesus leading us to heaven.