Book of Joshua Overview: Summary and Lessons

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

• “But as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

  Joshua 24:15

Who Was Joshua?

Joshua was a young man who worked closely with Moses. He was one of the few people who believed God could help Israel win, even when the enemies looked like giants. Because he was faithful, God chose him to lead.

Joshua was not a king, but a military leader and a man of prayer. God told him to meditate on the law day and night. This means he spent time thinking about God's words so he would know how to make good choices.

Entering the Promised Land

The book begins with the people standing by the Jordan River. God did a miracle and stopped the water so everyone could walk across on dry ground. This showed the people that God was with Joshua just like he was with Moses.

Once they were inside the land, they had to take over cities. The most famous story is the battle of Jericho. Instead of using ladders or ramps, the people marched and shouted, and the giant walls fell down by God's power.

Dividing the Land Among the Tribes

After many battles, the land was mostly at peace. Joshua then had the big job of giving different areas of land to the twelve tribes of Israel. Each family received a place to build homes and grow food.

This part of the book shows that God provides for his children. He gave them a land 'flowing with milk and honey,' which means it was a very rich and good place to live. It was a gift they did not have to earn.

Joshua’s Final Message

At the end of the book, Joshua is very old. He calls all the people together to say goodbye. He warns them that if they start praying to fake gods, they will lose their peace and their land.

He tells them to make a choice. He says that he and his family have already decided to serve the Lord. The people promised to do the same, and Joshua set up a large stone to help them remember their promise.

Common questions

What is the main message of Joshua?

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

Why did the walls of Jericho fall?

The walls fell because the people obeyed God's unusual instructions. They marched around the city for seven days, and on the last day, God brought the walls down after they shouted.

Who was Rahab in the book of Joshua?

Rahab was a woman in Jericho who hid two Israelite spies. Because she helped them and believed in God, her family was saved when the city was taken.

Is Joshua in the Old or New Testament?

Joshua is in the Old Testament. It is the first book of History, appearing right after the five books written by Moses.