Book of Joshua
| Joshua | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | Jos |
| Class. | Old Testament |
| Category | Book of history |
| Chapters | 24 chapters |
| Record Related | |
| Writer | Traditionally attributed to Joshua |
| Date (Approx.) | 15th century BCE |
The book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Old Testament. It recounts the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, who succeeded Moses. The narrative begins with Joshua’s divine commission to lead the conquest[1] and concludes with his death.[2]
Writers and Date of Composition
Joshua is traditionally regarded as the primary writer of the book.[3][4] The accounts detailing Joshua’s death,[2] the conquests of Caleb in Hebron,[5] Othniel in Debir,[6] and the tribe of Dan in Leshem,[7] are believed to have been added later by another writer.
Joshua, the son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim, was originally named Hoshea.[8] Moses renamed him Joshua, meaning “The LORD is salvation.”[9] He served as Moses’ assistant[10] and succeeded him as the leader of Israel.
The vivid and detailed accounts of the Canaan conquest suggest that the book was composed shortly after these events took place.
Composition of the Book of Joshua
| Chapters | Content | Primary Stages of Events |
| Chapter 1 | Joshua Commissioned to Conquer Canaan | Shittim (east of the Jordan) |
| Chapter 2 | Spying Out Jericho | |
| Chapters 3-5 | Crossing the Jordan River | Plains of Jericho |
| Chapters 6-12 | The Conquest of Canaan | Canaan |
| Chapters 13-22 | The Division of the Land | |
| Chapters 23-24 | Joshua’s Farewell Address |
Joshua Commissioned to Conquer Canaan (Chapter 1)
God commissioned Joshua to lead the conquest of Canaan, encouraging him to be strong and courageous with the assurance of His constant presence. God promised that if Joshua faithfully kept the Law given through Moses, he would prosper wherever he went, and the conquest of Canaan would be successful.
Joshua summoned the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and of Manasseh, reminding them of their earlier pledge during Moses’ leadership. Although they had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan, they had vowed to lead the way in battle until all Israel had secured their inheritance in Canaan.[11] The tribes reaffirmed their commitment, pledging to follow Joshua just as they had obeyed Moses.
Spying Out Jericho (Chapter 2)
The first challenge in the conquest of Canaan was the fortified city of Jericho. Joshua sent two spies to scout the city. They stayed at the house of Rahab, but when the king of Jericho learned of their presence, he sent soldiers to capture them. Moved by reverence for God, Rahab hid the spies and protected them.[12] In return, they pledged to spare her and her family when the city was taken. The spies then escaped safely from Jericho.
Crossing the Jordan River (Chapters 3–5)
To enter Canaan, the Israelites needed to cross the Jordan River, which was overflowing its banks at that time of year. God instructed the priests carrying the ark of the covenant to step into the water. As soon as their feet touched the river, the waters stopped flowing and piled up in a heap, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. The Israelites then camped at Gilgal. There, the people underwent circumcision—an observance neglected for forty years—and celebrated the Passover, which had not been observed for a long time. The next day, they ate the produce of Canaan, and from that point on, the manna ceased.
The Conquest of Canaan (Chapters 6–12)
- Jericho (Chapter 6): The Israelites first faced the fortified city of Jericho. God instructed them to march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, to circle it seven times. At the priests’ blast of the ram’s horns, the people were to raise a great shout. When they did, the mighty walls of Jericho collapsed. True to their oath, the Israelites spared Rahab and her family for having sheltered the spies, placing them safely outside the camp.
- Ai (Chapters 7–8): Next, the Israelites advanced on Ai, a smaller city than Jericho. Confident of an easy victory, they sent a limited force but were unexpectedly defeated. The defeat was traced to Achan of the tribe of Judah, who had taken items from Jericho that should have been devoted to God. After his sin was exposed and punished, the Israelites attacked Ai again and successfully captured it.
- The Broader Canaan Region (Chapters 9–12): Israel continued its campaign against the various Canaanite nations, including the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, achieving successive victories. God directly aided Israel, sending hailstones from the sky and causing the sun to stand still to ensure their triumph.[13] These victories were the result of Israel’s obedience to God, who granted them success. Under Moses, the land east of the Jordan was conquered, and under Joshua, the land west of the Jordan was taken.
The Division of Canaan (Chapters 13–22)
As the conquest of Canaan neared completion and Joshua advanced in age, God instructed him to divide the conquered land west of the Jordan, along with the surrounding territories yet to be subdued, among the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh. With the priest Eleazar and the leaders of Israel, Joshua cast lots to allocate the land. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were excluded, having already received their inheritance east of the Jordan.[14] The Levites, appointed for service in the sanctuary, were not given a territorial inheritance. Instead, they received designated towns and surrounding pasturelands, as their portion was the offerings presented to God.
Caleb, rewarded for his unwavering faith when scouting Canaan 45 years earlier, was granted the privilege of choosing his inheritance. He did not claim land already conquered but boldly requested Hebron, where the Anakites still dwelled, and with enduring faith, he captured it.
With most of the land settled, the conquest of Canaan was largely complete, though some regions, such as Jerusalem, remained unconquered, where the Jebusites continued to live.[15] After the division, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned to their inheritance east of the Jordan.
Joshua’s Farewell Address (Chapters 23–24)
As his death approached, Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. There, he recounted God’s mighty work and urged the people to love and serve God faithfully. The Israelites pledged to serve only God and to keep His commands. Joshua died at the age of 110.