The Book of Joshua: A Summary
The book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Old Testament, following the book of Deuteronomy. It tells the story of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership after the death of Moses.
Joshua is a book of faith, courage, and obedience, as the Israelites face many challenges and obstacles in their journey to claim the land God had promised them.
Reading the Book of Joshua in 60-Seconds
Chapter 1: Joshua takes over as leader after Moses’ death, and God encourages him to be strong and courageous. "Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (1:9)
Chapter 2: Joshua sends spies to Jericho, where Rahab helps them and confesses her faith in God. "For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." (2:11)
Chapter 3: The Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry ground, and God shows His power and faithfulness. "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." (3:5)
Chapter 4: The Israelites set up a monument of stones to remember God’s faithfulness in parting the Jordan River. "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful." (4:24)
Chapter 5: The Israelites are circumcised, and God shows them His provision by stopping the manna and giving them food from the land. "The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land." (5:12)
Chapter 6: The Israelites conquer Jericho by following God’s instructions and watching the walls crumble. "When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed." (6:20)
Chapter 7: Achan’s sin causes defeat in battle, but he confesses, and the Israelites are able to overcome Ai. "My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me." (7:19)
Chapter 8: The Israelites take Ai and renew their covenant with God. "Joshua read all the words of the law…there was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel." (8:34-35)
Chapter 9: The Gibeonites deceive the Israelites into making a treaty with them, but Joshua honors it. "But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel." (9:18)
Chapter 10: The Israelites defeat five kings and conquer more of the Promised Land, and God causes the sun to stand still. "The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day." (10:13)
Chapters 11-21: The Israelites continue to conquer and divide the land among the twelve tribes.
Chapters 22-24: Joshua gives his final address and urges the Israelites to follow God and keep His commands.
Encouragement: Reading the book of Joshua is an inspiring reminder of God’s faithfulness, power, and provision for His people. It shows us that obedience and trust in God can lead to great victories and blessings. So, take the time to read the entire book of Joshua and be encouraged in your faith journey.