Survey of the Book of Joshua

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Book of Joshua is about God fulfilling His promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. It records Israel’s conquest and settlement in the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. The book emphasizes themes of God’s faithfulness, the importance of obedience to His covenant, and the consequences of faithfulness or disobedience. It shows how God leads His people through Joshua to claim their inheritance and live under His guidance. Ultimately, Joshua highlights Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people called to live faithfully in the land He has given them.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Author: Authorship of the Book of Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua, the son of Nun, who led Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1–9; 24:29), with possible later editorial additions by priests or scribes, as suggested by the mention of written records and covenant renewals (cf. Joshua 24:26; Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 31:9–13).
• Date of writing: The Book of Joshua was written around 1400—1200 BC, shortly after the events it records, as indicated by its detailed knowledge of the conquest (Joshua 6:1–27; 10:1–27) and settlement (Joshua 13:1–33). However, the final compilation may have occurred during the early monarchy period, suggested by references to a centralized kingdom and codified records (Joshua 18:1; 24:26; 1 Kings 6:1).
• Purpose: The Book of Joshua documents the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel, a promise first made to Abraham in Genesis 12:7. Throughout Joshua, we see this promise coming to fruition as Israel conquers and takes possession of the land (Joshua 1:2–6; 21:43–45). The book highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant, demonstrated through miraculous victories such as the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:20) and the stopping of the Jordan River’s flow (Joshua 3:14–17), confirming that God fights on behalf of His people. Additionally, Joshua emphasizes Israel’s identity as a covenant people called to remain faithful to God’s commands and live under His leadership in the Promised Land, as Joshua repeatedly exhorts the people to obey God’s law (Joshua 1:7–8; 24:14–15). The renewal of the covenant at Shechem (Joshua 24:1–28) further confirms this relationship, establishing Israel not just as a conquered nation but as God’s chosen people living in covenant with Him.
• Themes: The Book of Joshua highlights several key themes that shape its message and purpose. Central is God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in Joshua 21:45, where every promise God made to Israel is affirmed as coming true. Closely tied to this is the call for obedience and covenant loyalty, with Joshua repeatedly urging the people to carefully follow God’s law to experience His blessings (Joshua 1:7–8; 24:15). The book also portrays divine judgment and mercy, illustrating how God’s justice falls on those who oppose His people, such as in the defeat of Jericho and the sin of Achan (Joshua 6—7), while showing mercy to Rahab for her faith (Joshua 2:1–21). Throughout, God’s leadership is demonstrated through His chosen servant, Joshua, who is empowered and guided by God’s presence and authority to lead Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:5; 3:7). These themes together illustrate God’s sovereign hand in Israel’s history and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.
• Brief summary: The Book of Joshua begins with God commissioning Joshua to lead Israel after Moses’ death. The Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of Canaan, including the miraculous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). The book records the division of the land among the twelve tribes and ends with Joshua’s farewell address, urging faithfulness to God (Joshua 24). The Book of Joshua reveals what it means to be loyal to God’s covenant, which He faithfully upholds.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Hebrews 4:8–10 compares the rest God gave Israel in Joshua’s time with the spiritual rest offered through Christ.
• Rahab, a key figure in Joshua (Joshua 2; 6), is mentioned explicitly in the New Testament as an example of faith and righteousness. Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 both highlight Rahab’s faith and actions in welcoming the spies.
• Joshua’s leadership and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel are part of the broader biblical narrative referenced in Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith,” which includes Joshua’s contemporaries and judges. Joshua is also mentioned in Acts 7 and Acts 13 where Stephen and Paul, respectively, recount Israel’s history.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Book of Joshua reminds us that godly leadership is essential for guiding God’s people toward His purposes. Joshua was called to lead with courage, obedience, and reliance on God’s presence (Joshua 1:5–9). In our own lives, whether in families, workplaces, or communities, we are often called to lead in ways big and small. Like Joshua, we need to depend on God’s strength and wisdom rather than on our own abilities.

Faithful living as God’s people also means committing to obedience and covenant loyalty, just as Joshua repeatedly urged Israel to follow God’s commands (Joshua 1:7–8; 24:14–15). God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and He calls us to live under His leadership and according to His ways. Even when we stumble or face opposition, God’s presence empowers us to persevere. This encourages us to trust God’s faithfulness daily, knowing He is at work even when circumstances seem difficult. The Israelites were brought to the Promised Land, and God kept His promises both for those who entered and those who did not. Likewise, we can trust that God keeps His promises and that He will faithfully guide and sustain us as we walk in obedience and faith.

Key verses:

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5).

“So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.” (Joshua 6:20).

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

UNDERSTAND

• In the Book of Joshua, we see that God fulfills His promise to give Israel the Promised Land.
• The Book of Joshua calls His people to faithfully living in accordance with His covenant.
• Godly leadership and Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people are central to the Book of Joshua.

REFLECT

• Where in your life do you need to trust God’s promises, even when the path forward feels uncertain?
• Where are you being called to lead with courage and obedience like Joshua?
• How are you actively living in faithfulness to God's covenant?

ENGAGE

• How does the fulfillment of God’s promises in Joshua encourage us to trust Him today?
• What can we learn from Joshua’s leadership style about guiding others in faith?
• How can we support each other in staying faithful to God’s commands in a culture that often pulls us in different directions?