The Book of Joshua
Joshua tells of Israel entering and conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership — a story of courage, faith, and God keeping his promises across generations.
- Testament
- Old (24 chapters)
- Type
- History
- Author
- Traditionally Joshua himself, with later editorial work. The narrative may have reached final form during the early monarchy.
- Date
- Events traditionally 1400-1350 BC, depending on the exodus date adopted.
God keeps long promises
The land promised to Abraham four centuries earlier is now occupied. Joshua's repeated word from God — 'Be strong and of a good courage' (1:6, 1:9, 1:18) — frames every battle. The book insists that the conquest is God's gift, not Israel's achievement.
Covenant choice
The book ends with Joshua's challenge at Shechem: 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (24:15). The book pivots Israel from a wilderness people to a settled covenant nation, and asks every generation since the same question.
Key verses (KJV)
“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 (KJV)
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
“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 (KJV)
How to read Joshua
The conquest narratives (chapters 1-12) read like an epic; the land allotments (13-21) are skimmable on first pass. End slowly with Joshua's two farewell speeches (23-24).
Read Joshua on your iPhone
Read the full book of Joshua in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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