Joshua

Introduction

The book of Joshua records the fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: the nation of Israel entering and taking possession of the land of Canaan. It continues directly from Deuteronomy, opening with the death of Moses and the immediate commissioning of Joshua son of Nun as Israel's new leader. Under Joshua's command, Israel crosses the Jordan River, conquers the major cities of Canaan in a series of campaigns, and distributes the land among the twelve tribes. The book closes with Joshua's farewell address and his call for Israel to remain faithful to the covenant.

Joshua was written to a people on the cusp of national identity — transitioning from wilderness wanderers to settled landowners. The theological message is clear: the land is God's gift, not Israel's military achievement. The God who parted the Red Sea now parts the Jordan; the God who brought judgment on Egypt now brings judgment on Canaan. The repeated refrain is that "the LORD was with Joshua" just as He had been with Moses — continuity of divine presence is the key to the nation's success. The authorship of Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua himself, with later editorial additions (including the account of his death). Jewish tradition records that Eleazar the priest and his son Phinehas completed the final verses.

Structure

• Chapters 1–5 — Preparation and Crossing: God commissions Joshua, the spies investigate Jericho, Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground, the Passover is celebrated at Gilgal, and the manna ceases.
• Chapters 6–12 — The Conquest Campaigns: the fall of Jericho, the sin of Achan, the conquest of Ai, the covenant renewal at Shechem, the Gibeonite deception, and the southern and northern campaigns.
• Chapters 13–21 — Division of the Land: the territories assigned to each tribe, the cities of refuge, and the Levitical cities.
• Chapters 22–24 — Covenant Renewal and Farewell: the eastern tribes return home, Joshua's two farewell addresses, and his death.

Chapters

1. 1Joshua is commissioned by God; the eastern tribes pledge their loyalty.
2. 2Two spies are sent to Jericho; Rahab hides them and receives a promise of safety.
3. 3Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground as the priests carry the ark.
4. 4Twelve memorial stones are taken from the riverbed; a second set is placed in the Jordan.
5. 5The men are circumcised at Gilgal; Israel celebrates Passover; the manna stops; the commander of the LORD's army appears.
6. 6Israel marches around Jericho for seven days; the walls fall and the city is devoted to destruction.
7. 7Achan secretly keeps plunder; Israel is defeated at Ai; Achan and his household are executed.
8. 8Ai is captured and burned; Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and reads the law to all Israel.
9. 9The Gibeonites deceive Israel into a peace treaty by pretending to be from a far country.
10. 10The southern campaign: the sun stands still; five Amorite kings are defeated and executed.
11. 11The northern coalition is routed at the Waters of Merom; the conquest of the whole land is summarized.
12. 12A list of the kings defeated under Moses east of the Jordan and under Joshua west of the Jordan.
13. 13Much land remains; Moses's eastern allotments to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh are confirmed.
14. 14Caleb requests and receives Hebron as his inheritance for his faithfulness.
15. 15The territory of Judah is described in detail; Caleb drives out the Anakim from Hebron.
16. 16The territory of Ephraim is assigned, with the Canaanites in Gezer not fully expelled.
17. 17The territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan; they complain about insufficient land.
18. 18The remaining seven tribes receive their portions by lot at Shiloh; Benjamin's territory is listed.
19. 19The territories of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and Joshua himself are assigned.
20. 20Six cities of refuge are designated for those who kill accidentally, as Moses had commanded.
21. 21The forty-eight Levitical cities are assigned throughout the tribal territories.
22. 22The eastern tribes are sent home with praise; a misunderstanding over an altar nearly causes civil war.
23. 23Joshua's first farewell address: he warns Israel to remain faithful and not to intermarry with the nations.
24. 24The covenant renewal at Shechem; Joshua's challenge "choose this day whom you will serve"; Joshua's death.