JOSHUA

JOSHUA 1

GOD COMMISSIONS JOSHUA + THE ISRAELITES FOLLOW HIS LEADERSHIP

After the death of Moses, God commissions Joshua to rise as the new leader of Israel. God tells Joshua that He will be with him wherever he goes, reminding him to be strong and courageous. In the same way God guided Moses, God is guiding Joshua. 

God encourages Joshua to meditate on the law day and night in preparation to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The Israelites acknowledge Joshua as the new Moses and follow his instruction. God promises to give the Israelites the land of Canaan and provide them a place of rest.

Joshua 1:9 - 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 2

RAHAB PROTECTS THE ISRAELITE SPIES IN JERICHO

Joshua sends spies into the land of Canaan, specifically to see the city of Jericho. Previously, Joshua was sent as a spy and was one of two Israelites who had faith in God’s plan for the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14).

While the spies are in Jericho, they are met by a Canaanite prostitute named Rahab. Rahab heard of what God had done for the Israelites and professed her faith in God.

In order to protect the Israelite spies, Rahab lies to the Canaanite offices and hides the spies on her roof. Rahab asks the spies for protection, knowing that the Israelites will soon come to take over the land of Canaan. Because of her faithfulness to God and the Israelites, the spies promise to spare Rahab and her family. Rahab agrees to tie a scarlet cord from in her window so that her home is recognizable to the Israelites.

The spies return to Joshua with good news and a hopeful spirit, trusting that God will give the land over to the Israelites.

JOSHUA 3

GOD ALLOWS THE ISRAELITES TO CROSS THE JORDAN RIVER

Joshua continues to lead the Israelites towards the Promised Land, preparing them for the wonders that God has in store for them. God tells Joshua that he will be exalted before the Israelites, showing God’s anointing of his leadership. God promises His presence will be with Joshua, just as God was with Moses.

God instructs Joshua to cross the Jordan River, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's presence and the physical representation of the law. Once the priests stepped into the river and their feet entered water, the river stopped flowing and the path was made clear for the Israelites to cross!

When God previously parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14, he did not require Moses or the Israelites to step foot into the water. The further along the Israelites were to the Promised Land, the more faith God required from them to continue. God has worked miracles before and He wants His people to have faith that He will do it again!

Joshua 3:17 - Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

JOSHUA 4

THE ISRAELITES BUILD A MEMORIAL FROM TWELVE STONES

After the entire nation of Israel safely crossed the Jordan River, God instructs the Israelites to build a memorial of twelve stones, one for each tribe of Israel. This memorial would serve as a reminder to the Israelites of God’s provision in crossing the Jordan River in pursuit of the Promised Land.

God exalted Joshua and the Israelites stood in awe of him, just as they had stood in awe of Moses. Joshua explains the purpose of the memorial, that it would be a tribute to God’s might.

JOSHUA 5

THE ISRAELITES CELEBRATE PASSOVER + PREPARE TO ENTER CANAAN

After God allows His people to cross the Jordan River, the Canaanites hear of God's miraculous provision, and they become increasingly fearful of the Israelites.

The Israelites who were born in the wilderness (and the Egyptians who turned to God and followed the Israelites) had not been circumcised. Before entering the Promised Land, Joshua had every uncircumcised man circumcised, keeping the covenant of Genesis 17.

Although they have not yet taken over the Promised Land, the Israelites celebrate their first Passover in Canaan, remembering how God has spared his people (Exodus 13). When the Israelites first enter the wilderness, God begins providing them with food daily, which they called manna (Exodus 16). Once the Israelites have fruit and grain in the land of Canaan, God stops sending the manna. God’s provision is abundant and perfectly timed!

When Joshua is near Jericho, he has an encounter with the commander of God’s army! This angelic creature instructs Joshua to take off his shoes because he is standing on holy ground.

JOSHUA 6

THE ISRAELITES MARCH AROUND THE WALLS OF JERICHO

Because the people of Jericho were anticipating an attack from the Israelites, the city gates were shut and no one entered or exited the city.

God instructs the Israelites to march around the city walls, all of their soldiers at once. For six days, the Israelites do nothing but walk in a circle around the perimeter of the city. On the seventh day, they were to walk around the city seven times. After their final lap, the priests were directed to blow the trumpets and the people were to shout. Until it was time to shout, the Israelites were not to speak. Despite this unconventional and potentially frustrating strategy, Joshua faithfully leads the people to follow God’s orders.

After days of marching in silence, Joshua speaks with confidence, telling the Israelites it is time to shout, saying “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city!” When the trumpets sound, the city walls miraculously fall and the Israelites are able to seize the city, just as God promised!

The Israelites did not forget the kindness and bravery of Rahab, so they spare her life and save her family. Because of her faithfulness, she is rescued by the Israelites.

Joshua 6:20 - 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 7

ISRAEL IS DEFEATED + DEVOTED ITEMS ARE STOLEN

Despite Israel’s recent victory, they are defeated by a nearby Canaanite city called Ai. Thirty-six Israelites are killed and Joshua mourns their deaths, questioning why God would bring them this far only to be defeated.

God tells Joshua that the Israelites have been sinful, specifically a man named Achan, who stole items that were devoted to God. Achan initially attempts to hide the stolen items, but confesses when confronted by Joshua. Because Achan brought trouble upon the Israelites, he is stoned for stealing the sacred items.

JOSHUA 8

THE ISRAELITES DEFEAT AI + RENEW THE COVENANT

Joshua and his army pretend to attack the city, just like they did before, to trick the people of Ai into thinking they will be victorious again. The people of Ai see the Israelites running, so they chase after them, leaving their city unprotected. While the people of Ai are chasing the Israelites, another group of Israelite soldiers sets the city on fire. The people of Ai are stuck between the two Israelite armies, where they are defeated.

After the Israelites defeat the people of Ai, God promises them the land they inhabited. Joshua builds an altar to God and gave a burnt offering. Joshua reads aloud the Law of Moses, renewing the covenant with God and reminding the Israelites of God’s word.

JOSHUA 9

THE ISRAELITES DECEIVED BY THE GIBEONITES

The people of Gibeon, a nearby city, hear about Israel’s victory over Jericho and Ai. Attempting to make peace with the Israelites, the Gibeonites wear their most tattered clothing and pretend to have arrived from a faraway nation. The Israelites make a covenant with them, promising not to harm them.

Three days after making this promise, Joshua realizes that they are not from a distant nation, but are from a nearby city. Angry with their lies, Joshua confronts the Gibeonites. Because they heard of God’s plan to give the land to the Israelites, they wanted to make peace and find safety among the Israelites. Joshua is frustrated that the Gibeonites lied, but allows them to serve as wood-cutters and water-collectors.

Although the Gibeonites lied, they acknowledged that it was better to be a lowly servant among God’s people than die a prideful death.

JOSHUA 10

GOD INTERVENES IN ISRAEL’S BATTLES 

Kings of the surrounding areas receive the news that the Gibeonites aligned with the Israelites and they want to declare war. Unsure what to do, Joshua asks God for guidance. God promises to provide for the Gibeonites and the Israelites, allowing their enemies to be handed over to them.

God causes confusion among the enemy nations, leading them to be panicked and struck down. To aid the Israelites in battle, God sends large hailstones, killing many of their attackers. To allow the Israelites more time for their victory, God causes the sun and the mood to stand still. God fights for the Israelites and with the Israelites!

The five kings who oppose Israel are captured, and Joshua commands the Israelite leaders to put their feet on the necks of the kings as a symbol of Israel’s victory and authority.

Joshua and the Israelites continue to defeat and conquer various cities and regions in the land of Canaan, expanding their territory.

Joshua 10:25 And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”

JOSHUA 11

JOSHUA LEFT NOTHING UNDONE THAT GOD COMMANDED

Joshua continues to lead the Israelite army as they keep conquering the land of Canaan. Despite facing great opposition, God encourages Joshua that the Israelites will be victorious. With God’s intervention, the Israelites defeat Hazor, a strong city of Canaan as well as many others.

Just as God commanded Moses, God commands Joshua, and Joshua left nothing undone.

Joshua 11:15 - Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.

JOSHUA 12

THE KINGS DEFEATED BY MOSES + JOSHUA RECORDED

The kings defeated by the leadership of Moses and Joshua are recorded. Together, they defeat thirty-one leaders, an incredible number for the nation of Israel, who were significantly disadvantaged compared to these established cities.

JOSHUA 13

LAND DISTRIBUTED EAST OF THE JORDAN RIVER

Because Joshua is growing old, God instructs him to only allot the land to the Israelites for an inheritance, not allowing the remaining nations to pass down the remaining land to be conquered.

Some of the tribes want to remain East of the Jordan River, so Joshua divides the land between the tribes. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settle East of the river in the land known as the trans-Jordan. These tribes request this land in Numbers 32, but promise to help secure the land of Canaan before residing there. Once the land of Canaan was fully distributed, they would return to their land.

The Levites are not given a land inheritance, but are scattered across the land throughout the tribes to serve as priests and spiritual leaders.

JOSHUA 14

LAND DISTRIBUTED WEST OF THE JORDAN RIVER

The land west of the Jordan River is allocated to the remaining nine and a half tribes of Israel as their inheritance, while the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh reside in the land east of the Jordan River.

Caleb, the spy who accompanied Joshua and trusted in God, is given the city of Hebron as an inheritance and reward for his faithfulness (Numbers 14).

JOSHUA 15

THE LAND ALLOTMENT FOR JUDAH + THE INHABITING TRIBES

The land for the tribe of Judah is allotted and given defined geographical boundaries. Because Judah had the largest number of people, they also had the largest amount of land. Jesus will eventually come from the line of Judah, marking their tribe as God’s chosen lineage.

Caleb’s daughter was given the land of Negeb, a desert area, and requested springs of water to sustain them. Caleb is able to drive out the Anakites, the people who inhabited his allotted portion of land, but the people of Judah do not follow God’s commands to drive out the Jebusites.

JOSHUA 16

THE LAND ALLOTMENT FOR EPHRAIM + MANASSEH

Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were previously given Joseph's inheritance before his death (Genesis 48). Their ancestors are considered half-tribes and are each allotted land within Canaan. First, land is allotted to Ephraim.

Instead of following God’s command to rid the land of Canaanites, the tribe of Ephraim lets the remaining Canaanites reside in their allotted land.

JOSHUA 17

THE CANAANITES REMAIN DWELLING AMONG THE PROMISED LAND

Just as the tribe of Ephraim received an inheritance, Manasseh is given an allotment of land within Canaan. Similarly, the tribe of Manasseh also breaks God’s command and does not drive out the Canaanites in their territory. Instead, they allow them to stay for the purpose of manual labor.

Both Ephraim and Manasseh requested more land because the Canaanites are taking up space, but Joshua does not give them more land since they disobeyed God’s command.

JOSHUA 18

THE LAND OF CANAAN SURVEYED + DIVIDED

For the seven tribes who have not yet received their land inheritance, Joshua sends out a group of men to survey the land. These twenty-one men, three from each tribe, divide the land into seven territories. The land is assigned by lot, with the first allotment going to the tribe of Benjamin. Joshua records the boundaries of their assigned area and the cities within their land.

JOSHUA 19

THE REMAINING TRIBES RECEIVE LAND WITHIN CANAAN

The tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan are assigned land within Canaan. Joshua records the boundaries of their assigned area and the cities within their land. Joshua chooses to live in Timnath-serah, a town within the land belonging to Ephraim.

JOSHUA 20

JOSHUA APPOINTS CITIES OF REFUGE 

God instructed Joshua to designate certain cities to become cities of refuge, places for people awaiting trial or those who have committed a crime unintentionally. These cities protect innocent people from being avenged without cause.

JOSHUA 21

THE LEVITES GIVEN LAND + PROMISES OF GOD FULFILLED

Because the Levites would not receive a land inheritance, they are divided up among the tribes and reside in towns with land for their livestock. God instructed Moses to make sure the Levites were taken care of, and Joshua follows this instruction as well (Numbers 35).

God’s promise that the Israelites would overthrow the Canaanites and reside in Canaan is fulfilled. Everything that God promised the Israelites has come to pass!

Joshua 21:45 - Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

JOSHUA 22

THE EASTERN TRIBES RETURN HOME BUT REMAIN UNITED WITH THE ISRAELITES

The tribes who wanted to live East of the Jordan River (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) return to their land after all of Canaan had been divided. Before they leave, Joshua reminds them to love God with all their heart and soul. Joshua understands the importance and priority of this command, which is later included in all four gospel accounts (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:33 Luke 12:30, Luke 10:27).

Once they arrive to their divided land, they built an altar as a reminder of unity between their tribes and the other tribes. Although they are divided by the river, the Israelites are one people group and serve the same God.

Upon seeing the altar, the other Israelites are alarmed, thinking it was an idol. The tribes East of the Jordan explain their purpose for the altar and reassure them it was not to be worshiped.

JOSHUA 23

JOSHUA CHALLENGES THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL TO REMAIN FAITHFUL

Many years later, Joshua leaves his final words of wisdom with the Israelite leaders, encouraging them to obey God and cling to His word. Joshua gives the Israelites hope for God’s continued faithfulness, reminding them that God has kept His promises.

Joshua also warns against nations who worship false gods and idols, knowing the Israelites will face opposition from faithless nations. Aware that the Israelites will be removed from the land if they break God’s law, Joshua urges them to remain steadfast.

JOSHUA 24

THE ISRAELITES CHOOSE TO FOLLOW GOD + RENEW THEIR COVENANT

Joshua reminds the Israelites of the covenant they have made to follow God’s law. Calling them to make a choice, Joshua questions if the Israelites will choose to worship God or abandon their faith. The Israelites choose to worship God and renew their covenant promise.

After Joshua dies, he is buried in the town of Timnath-serah, where he previously resided. The Israelites continue to be faithful and follow the example established by Joshua.