The Book of Joshua

The book of Joshua records Israel's crossing the Jordan River into Canaan - the Promised Land - after Moses' death. It is also the record of the conquest and settlement of Canaan by Israel's twelve tribes under Joshua's leadership.


The book follows the life and service of Joshua as the leader who steps in as God's chosen man after Moses dies. Joshua's background as Moses' apprentice prepared him well to lead the conquest of the Promised Land. As Moses' assistant, Joshua demonstrated a deep and strong devotion and heart for God, often spending long periods of time alone with the Lord. He surely learned much from Moses about the joys of following God and the difficulties of leading the people. For many years before replacing Moses, Joshua proved himself to be a man of faith, vision, courage, loyalty, obedience, prayer and dedication to God and His Word.


Joshua was written as a record of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The conquering victories are portrayed as God's acts of redemption for Israel and His acts of judgment on a corrupt Canaanite culture. The war and violence described in the book must be viewed from this perspective. Archaeology confirm that gross immorality and cruelty characterized the Canaanite people whom Israel replaced in the land.


Seven major features characterize this book. 1. It is the first of the Old Testament historical books to describe Israel's history as a nation in the region of Palestine. 2. It provides insight into the remarkable life of Joshua as God's choice for completing the work Moses started. 3. The book describes numerous miracles God performed for Israel, the two most dramatic being the fall of Jericho and the prolonging of daylight hours during the battle at Gibeon. 5. The book emphasizes three truths about God's relationship to His covenant people. 6. It highlights the importance of passing on the testimony and heritage of God's saving acts from one generation to the next. 7. The book's lengthy account of Achan's sin and punishment - along with other challenges, warnings and penalties - emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord in the hearts of God's people.


Joshua's name is the Hebrew equivalent of the name "Jesus" in the New Testament. In his role of leading Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua is an Old Testament type, or prophetic symbol of Jesus, whose role is to bring "many sons to glory."