Book of Joshua Study Guide: Themes and Summary

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 in the Bible?

Joshua was a young man when he first started helping Moses. He was one of the twelve spies who went to look at the land of Canaan. While others were afraid, Joshua believed that God would help them win. Because of his faith, God chose him to lead the people.

His name means 'The Lord is Salvation.' This is very similar to the name Jesus. Joshua’s job was to lead the people into their new home. He had to be very brave because there were many enemies in the land.

Crossing the Jordan River

The first big miracle in this book happens at the Jordan River. The water was very high and deep. God told the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant—a special gold box that showed God was with them—into the water.

As soon as their feet touched the river, the water stopped flowing. 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

Jericho was a city with huge, thick walls. The Israelites did not use ladders or big machines to break them down. Instead, God told them to march around the city for seven days. On the last day, they shouted and blew trumpets.

The walls fell down flat all by themselves. This story teaches us that God’s way is often different from our way. When we follow His instructions, He does the hard work for us.

Dividing the Land

After many battles, the land was finally at peace. Joshua divided the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Each family received a place to live and grow food. This was the 'Promised Land' that God had told Abraham about hundreds of years before.

Even when they had their own land, Joshua warned them to stay faithful. He told them that they must choose every day to serve the true God and not follow the false gods of the people around them.

Common questions

What is the main message of Joshua?

The main message is that God is faithful to His promises. It shows that victory comes when we trust God and obey His Word.

Why did the Israelites have to fight?

The people living in the land were very wicked and did not follow God. God used the Israelites to bring justice and to give His people a safe home.

Who was Rahab in the Book of Joshua?

Rahab was a woman in Jericho who helped the Israelite spies. Because she believed in God, her family was saved when the city walls fell.

How does Joshua point to Jesus?

Just as Joshua led his people into the Promised Land, Jesus leads us into a relationship with God and a home in heaven.