Title and Author: The book of Joshua is named after its central figure, Joshua, who succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites. Traditionally, conservative Christian scholars attribute the authorship of Joshua to Joshua himself, with possible contributions from Eleazar the priest and Phinehas, his son. This view is based on internal evidence and the ancient Jewish tradition that credits Joshua with writing the book.

Historical Context: The book of Joshua is set in the late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BC, during the conquest of Canaan. It follows the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness and marks the beginning of their settlement in the Promised Land. This period is characterized by the transition from nomadic life to a more settled, agrarian society.

Audience: The primary audience of the book of Joshua was the Israelites, particularly the generation that entered and settled in Canaan. The book served as a historical record and a theological guide for understanding God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His covenant.

Purpose: The purpose of the book of Joshua is to document the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. It emphasizes God's faithfulness, the importance of covenant obedience, and the necessity of faith and courage in the face of challenges.

Genre and Style: The book of Joshua is primarily historical narrative, with elements of law and covenant renewal. It combines factual history with theological interpretation.1. Joshua (Joshua 1:1)
- Joshua is the central figure in the book, succeeding Moses as the leader of the Israelites. He leads the Israelites into the Promised Land and oversees its conquest and distribution among the tribes.

2. Moses (Joshua 1:1)
- Although Moses does not appear in the narrative, he is frequently mentioned as the former leader of the Israelites and the one who appointed Joshua as his successor.

3. The LORD (God) (Joshua 1:1)
- God is a central figure throughout the book, providing guidance, commands, and support to Joshua and the Israelites.

4. The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 1:12)
- These are the tribes that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. Joshua addresses them to remind them of their commitment to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan.

5. Rahab (Joshua 2:1)
- Rahab is a Canaanite woman living in Jericho who hides the Israelite spies sent by Joshua. She is later spared during the conquest of Jericho for her assistance.

6. The two spies (Joshua 2:1)
- These unnamed Israelite men are sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho. They are protected by Rahab and report back to Joshua.

7. Achan (Joshua 7:1)
- Achan is an Israelite who disobeys God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho, leading to Israel's initial defeat at Ai. He is later punished for his actions.

8. Zerah (Joshua 7:1)
- Zerah is mentioned as the ancestor of Achan, indicating his lineage within the tribe of Judah.

9. The king of Jericho (Joshua 2:2)
- The unnamed ruler of Jericho who learns of the spies' presence and seeks to capture them.

10. The Gibeonites (Joshua 9:3)
- The people of Gibeon deceive Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land.

11. Adoni-Zedek (Joshua 10:1)
- The king of Jerusalem who forms an alliance with other Amorite kings to attack Gibeon for allying with Israel.

12. The five Amorite kings (Joshua 10:3)
- These are the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon who join forces against Gibeon and are defeated by Joshua.

13. Caleb (Joshua 14:6)
- Caleb is one of the original spies sent by Moses and is rewarded with the land of Hebron for his faithfulness and courage.

14. Eleazar the priest (Joshua 14:1)
- Eleazar, the son of Aaron, assists Joshua in the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel.

15. Phinehas (Joshua 22:13)
- Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, is sent to investigate the altar built by the eastern tribes, ensuring it is not for idolatrous purposes.1. Shittim (Joshua 2:1)
- The Israelites' final encampment east of the Jordan River before entering Canaan. It is from here that Joshua sends spies to Jericho.

2. Jericho (Joshua 2:1)
- A fortified city in Canaan, known for its walls that fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days.

3. Jordan River (Joshua 3:1)
- The river that the Israelites miraculously cross to enter the Promised Land, with the waters stopping to allow them to pass on dry ground.

4. Gilgal (Joshua 4:19)
- The first campsite of the Israelites in Canaan, where they set up twelve stones as a memorial of their crossing of the Jordan River.

5. Ai (Joshua 7:2)
- A city near Bethel that the Israelites initially fail to capture due to Achan's sin but later conquer after following God's instructions.

6. Bethel (Joshua 7:2)
- A city near Ai, mentioned in the context of the Israelites' military campaigns.

7. Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:30)
- The location where Joshua builds an altar to the Lord and the Israelites renew their covenant with God.

8. Mount Gerizim (Joshua 8:33)
- Along with Mount Ebal, it is the site of the blessings and curses pronounced by the Israelites.

9. Gibeon (Joshua 9:3)
- A city whose inhabitants deceive Joshua into making a peace treaty with them, pretending to be from a distant land.

10. Makkedah (Joshua 10:10)
- A city where the Israelites defeat the Amorite kings who attacked Gibeon.

11. Libnah (Joshua 10:29)
- A city conquered by Joshua during the southern campaign.

12. Lachish (Joshua 10:31)
- Another city captured by Joshua as part of the southern conquests.

13. Eglon (Joshua 10:34)
- A city taken by Joshua during the campaign against the southern coalition of kings.

14. Hebron (Joshua 10:36)
- A significant city in the hill country of Judah, captured by Joshua.

15. Debir (Joshua 10:38)
- A city in the southern region of Canaan, also conquered by Joshua.

16. Hazor (Joshua 11:1)
- The head of the northern coalition of kings, defeated by Joshua in a major battle.

17. Merom (Joshua 11:5)
- The waters near which the northern kings gather to fight against Israel, but are defeated by Joshua.

18. Kadesh-barnea (Joshua 15:3)
- A location marking the southern boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah.

19. Gaza (Joshua 15:47)
- A Philistine city on the southwestern border of Canaan, included in the territory of Judah.

20. Shiloh (Joshua 18:1)
- The site where the tabernacle is set up and the land is divided among the tribes of Israel.

21. Shechem (Joshua 24:1)
- The location where Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel for his farewell address and covenant renewal.1. God Commissions Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9)
- After Moses' death, God appoints Joshua as the leader of the Israelites, instructing him to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the Promised Land.

2. Spies Sent to Jericho (Joshua 2:1)
- Joshua sends two spies to scout the city of Jericho. They are sheltered by Rahab, a local woman, who helps them escape in exchange for a promise of safety for her family.

3. Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17)
- The Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River on dry ground as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the water, causing it to stop flowing.

4. Memorial Stones Set Up (Joshua 4:1-9)
- Twelve stones are taken from the Jordan River and set up as a memorial at Gilgal to commemorate the crossing and God's faithfulness.

5. Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal (Joshua 5:2-12)
- The new generation of Israelites is circumcised, and they celebrate the Passover in the Promised Land for the first time, marking the end of manna as they eat the produce of Canaan.

6. The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21)
- Following God's instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls collapse after the people shout and the priests blow trumpets, leading to the city's capture.

7. Achan's Sin and Punishment (Joshua 7:1-26)
- Achan disobeys God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho, resulting in Israel's defeat at Ai. After Achan's sin is revealed, he and his family are punished, restoring God's favor.

8. Conquest of Ai (Joshua 8:1-29)
- With God's guidance, Joshua devises a successful ambush against Ai, leading to its capture and destruction.

9. Renewal of the Covenant at Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:30-35)
- Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal, and the Israelites renew their covenant with God by reading the Law and offering sacrifices.

10. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9:3-27)
- The Gibeonites deceive the Israelites into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land. Despite the deception, the treaty is honored.

11. The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:12-14)
- During a battle against the Amorite kings, Joshua prays for the sun to stand still, and God grants this miraculous event, allowing Israel to achieve victory.

12. Conquest of the Southern Cities (Joshua 10:28-43)
- Joshua leads a campaign to conquer several southern cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, and others, securing the southern region of Canaan.

13. Conquest of the Northern Kings (Joshua 11:1-15)
- Joshua defeats a coalition of northern kings led by Jabin of Hazor, completing the conquest of the northern territories.

14. Division of the Land (Joshua 13:1-7)
- God instructs Joshua to divide the conquered land among the tribes of Israel, detailing the specific territories allotted to each tribe.

15. Cities of Refuge Designated (Joshua 20:1-9)
- Six cities are designated as cities of refuge, providing asylum for those who accidentally commit manslaughter, ensuring justice and protection.

16. Joshua's Farewell Address (Joshua 23:1-16)
- In his farewell address, Joshua reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and urges them to remain obedient to the covenant.

17. Covenant Renewal at Shechem (Joshua 24:1-28)
- Joshua gathers the tribes at Shechem to renew their commitment to serve the Lord, culminating in a covenant renewal ceremony.

18. Death of Joshua (Joshua 24:29-31)
- Joshua dies at the age of 110 and is buried in the land of his inheritance, marking the end of an era for the Israelites.1. Leadership and Succession
Joshua's leadership is a continuation of Moses' mission, emphasizing the importance of faithful and courageous leadership. Joshua is appointed as Moses' successor to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
(Joshua 1:1-2) - "After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: 'Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, cross over the Jordan—you and all this people—into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.'"

2. God's Faithfulness and Promises
The book underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites, particularly the promise of land.
(Joshua 1:3) - "I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses."

3. Courage and Obedience
Joshua is repeatedly encouraged to be strong and courageous, highlighting the need for obedience to God's law as a source of strength.
(Joshua 1:6-7) - "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you."

4. Divine Guidance and Presence
The narrative emphasizes God's guidance and presence with His people, assuring them of victory and support.
(Joshua 1:9) - "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

5. Conquest and Inheritance
The central narrative of Joshua involves the conquest of Canaan and the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promise.
(Joshua 6:2) - "And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor.'"

6. Faith and Trust in God
The Israelites' victories are attributed to their faith and trust in God's power rather than their own strength.
(Joshua 6:16) - "After the seventh time around, the priests blew the trumpets, and Joshua commanded the people, 'Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!'"

7. Judgment and Justice
The book also deals with themes of divine judgment against the Canaanites and the importance of justice and righteousness.
(Joshua 7:1) - "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites."

8. Covenant and Commitment
The renewal of the covenant and the call for Israel's commitment to serve the Lord alone is a recurring theme.
(Joshua 24:14-15) - "Now therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve."1. Joshua as a Type of Jesus (Joshua 1:1-2)
- Joshua, whose name means "The Lord is salvation," is a type of Jesus. Just as Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Jesus leads believers into the spiritual Promised Land of eternal life. (Joshua 1:1-2)

2. Commander of the Army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13-15)
- In this passage, Joshua encounters a mysterious figure identified as the "Commander of the Army of the Lord." This figure is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, symbolizing His role as the divine leader and protector of God's people. (Joshua 5:13-15)

3. The Scarlet Cord as a Symbol of Salvation (Joshua 2:18-21)
- The scarlet cord given to Rahab as a sign for her salvation is a symbol of the blood of Christ, which provides salvation to all who trust in Him. Rahab's faith and the protection of her household foreshadow the saving work of Jesus. (Joshua 2:18-21)

4. The Ark of the Covenant as God's Presence (Joshua 3:3-4)
- The Ark of the Covenant, which led the Israelites across the Jordan River, represents God's presence among His people. This foreshadows Jesus as Immanuel, "God with us," who leads and guides believers. (Joshua 3:3-4)

5. The Crossing of the Jordan as Baptism (Joshua 3:14-17)
- The crossing of the Jordan River is seen as a type of baptism, symbolizing the believer's passage from death to life through Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites entered a new life in the Promised Land, believers enter a new life in Christ. (Joshua 3:14-17)

6. The Fall of Jericho as Victory through Faith (Joshua 6:2-5)
- The miraculous fall of Jericho, achieved through faith and obedience, prefigures the victory over sin and death accomplished by Jesus. It highlights the power of faith in God's promises. (Joshua 6:2-5)

7. The Cities of Refuge as a Place of Safety (Joshua 20:1-3)
- The cities of refuge provided safety for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. They symbolize Jesus as the ultimate refuge and source of protection for sinners seeking forgiveness and safety from judgment. (Joshua 20:1-3)1. Prophecy of Crossing the Jordan River
- Prophecy: God promises Joshua that He will exalt him in the sight of all Israel and that the Israelites will cross the Jordan River on dry ground.
- (Joshua 3:7-8) "Now the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses. And you are to command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.’"
- Fulfillment: The waters of the Jordan are cut off, and the Israelites cross on dry ground.
- (Joshua 3:15-17) "Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho."

2. Prophecy of the Fall of Jericho
- Prophecy: God instructs Joshua on how Jericho will be conquered, promising that the city will fall.
- (Joshua 6:2-5) "And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Behold, I have delivered Jericho into your hand, along with its king and its mighty men of valor. March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead.'"
- Fulfillment: The walls of Jericho collapse after the Israelites follow God's instructions.
- (Joshua 6:20) "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

3. Prophecy of the Destruction of Ai
- Prophecy: God tells Joshua that Ai will be captured and its king will be defeated.
- (Joshua 8:1-2) "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.'"
- Fulfillment: Joshua captures Ai and destroys it as God had promised.
- (Joshua 8:28-29) "So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolation to this day. He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua ordered that his body be taken down from the tree and thrown at the entrance of the city gate. And they raised over it a great heap of stones, which remains to this day."

4. Prophecy of the Sun Standing Still
- Prophecy: Joshua asks God to make the sun stand still to allow the Israelites more time to defeat their enemies.
- (Joshua 10:12) "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.'"
- Fulfillment: The sun stands still, and the Israelites achieve victory.
- (Joshua 10:13-14) "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel."

1. Entering the Promised Land  ( 1:1⁠–⁠5:15 )

a. Joshua Takes Charge  ( 1:1⁠–⁠18 )

b. Rahab and the Spies  ( 2:1⁠–⁠24 )

c. The Crossing of the Jordan  ( 3:1⁠–⁠4:24 )

d. The Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal  ( 5:1⁠–⁠12 )

e. The Commander of the LORD’s Army  ( 5:13⁠–⁠15 )

2. The Conquest of the Promised Land  ( 6:1⁠–⁠12:24 )

a. The Initial Battles  ( 6:1⁠–⁠8:35 )

i. The Battle of Jericho  ( 6:1⁠–⁠27 )

ii. The Battle of Ai  ( 7:1⁠–⁠8:29 )

1. The Defeat at Ai  ( 7:1⁠–⁠15 )

2. The Sin of Achan  ( 7:16⁠–⁠26 )

3. The Conquest of Ai  ( 8:1⁠–⁠29 )

iii. Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim  ( 8:30⁠–⁠35 )

b. The Conquest of the South  ( 9:1⁠–⁠10:43 )

i. The Gibeonites  ( 9:1⁠–⁠27 )

ii. The Battle of Beth-horon  ( 10:1⁠–⁠28 )

1. The Five Kings Assemble Against Joshua  ( 10:1⁠–⁠5 )

2. The Day the Sun Stood Still  ( 10:6⁠–⁠15 )

3. The Victory at Makkedah  ( 10:16⁠–⁠28 )

iii. Conquest of the Southern Cities  ( 10:29⁠–⁠43 )

c. Conquest of the Northern Cities  ( 11:1⁠–⁠15 )

d. Joshua Takes the Whole Land  ( 11:16⁠–⁠23 )

e. The Defeated Kings  ( 12:1⁠–⁠24 )

i. The Kings East of the Jordan  ( 12:1⁠–⁠6 )

ii. The Kings West of the Jordan  ( 12:7⁠–⁠24 )

3. The Distribution of the Promised Land  ( 13:1⁠–⁠21:45 )

a. Lands Yet Unconquered  ( 13:1⁠–⁠7 )

b. The Inheritance East of the Jordan  ( 13:8⁠–⁠33 )

i. Lands East of the Jordan  ( 13:8⁠–⁠14 )

ii. Reuben’s Inheritance  ( 13:15⁠–⁠23 )

iii. Gad’s Inheritance  ( 13:24⁠–⁠28 )

iv. Manasseh’s Eastern Inheritance  ( 13:29⁠–⁠33 )

c. The Inheritance West of the Jordan  ( 14:1⁠–⁠19:51 )

i. Introduction  ( 14:1⁠–⁠5 )

ii. Caleb Requests Hebron  ( 14:6⁠–⁠15 )

iii. Judah’s Inheritance  ( 15:1⁠–⁠63 )

1. The Land  ( 15:1⁠–⁠12 )

2. Caleb’s Portion and Conquest  ( 15:13⁠–⁠19 )

3. The Cities of Judah  ( 15:20⁠–⁠63 )

iv. Joseph’s Sons’ Inheritance  ( 16:1⁠–⁠17:18 )

1. Ephraim’s Inheritance  ( 16:1⁠–⁠10 )

2. Manasseh’s Western Inheritance  ( 17:1⁠–⁠18 )

v. The Rest of the Tribes Receive Their Inheritance  ( 18:1⁠–⁠19:48 )

1. Distribution from Shiloh  ( 18:1⁠–⁠10 )

2. Benjamin’s Inheritance  ( 18:11⁠–⁠28 )

3. Simeon’s Inheritance  ( 19:1⁠–⁠9 )

4. Zebulun’s Inheritance  ( 19:10⁠–⁠16 )

5. Issachar’s Inheritance  ( 19:17⁠–⁠23 )

6. Asher’s Inheritance  ( 19:24⁠–⁠31 )

7. Naphtali’s Inheritance  ( 19:32⁠–⁠39 )

8. Dan’s Inheritance  ( 19:40⁠–⁠48 )

vi. Joshua’s Inheritance  ( 19:49⁠–⁠51 )

d. The Levite’s Inheritance  ( 20:1—21:45 )

i. The Six Cities of Refuge  ( 20:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. The Forty-Eight Cities of the Levites  ( 21:1⁠–⁠45 )

4. Epilogue: Settling in the Land  ( 22:1—24:33 )

a. The Eastern Tribes Return Home  ( 22:1⁠–⁠8 )

b. The Altar of Witness  ( 22:9⁠–⁠33 )

c. Joshua's Charge to Leaders  ( 23:1⁠–⁠16 )

d. The Covenant at Shechem  ( 24:1⁠–⁠28 )

e. The Death and Burial of Joshua  ( 24:29⁠–⁠33 )