Joshua: Summary & Overview

Overview

Joshua picks up where Deuteronomy ends — Israel finally enters the Promised Land. Under Joshua's leadership, they cross the Jordan, conquer Jericho, and settle the land God promised to Abraham centuries earlier. It's a book of fulfilled promises, courageous faith, and God fighting for His people. Joshua challenges Israel to choose whom they will serve.

Key Themes

  • God's faithfulness to His promises
  • Courage and obedience
  • Conquest and settlement
  • Choosing to follow God
  • God fights for His people

Famous Verses

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9

Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.

Joshua 1:8

There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Joshua 21:45

Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass.

Joshua 23:14

Key Facts

Testament
Old Testament
Genre
Historical Narrative
Author
Joshua (with later editors)
Date Written
~1400–1370 BC
Chapters
24

Related Books

Read Joshua in Context

Joshua is part of our reading plans. Start reading through the Bible today.

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