The Book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible and marks the transition from Israel’s wilderness journey to their conquest of the Promised Land.
Named after Joshua, Moses’ successor, this book details how Israel defeats enemies, claims their inheritance, and learns to trust God’s leadership.
Joshua teaches that victory comes through faith and obedience to God.
1. Joshua Becomes Israel’s Leader (Joshua 1)
After Moses’ death, God appoints Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
Key Highlights:
- God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9).
- The Israelites prepare to enter the land of Canaan.
Lesson: God calls and equips new leaders for His purposes.
2. Rahab & The Spies (Joshua 2)
Joshua sends two spies to Jericho, where they meet Rahab, a Canaanite woman who helps them.
Key Highlights:
- Rahab hides the spies and declares her faith in Israel’s God.
- She and her family are spared because of her faith and kindness.
Lesson: God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their past.
3. Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3-4)
God miraculously parts the Jordan River, allowing Israel to cross into Canaan.
Key Highlights:
- The Ark of the Covenant leads the way.
- Israel sets up 12 memorial stones to remember God’s power.
Lesson: God makes a way when we trust Him.
4. The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)
In one of the most famous stories in the Bible, Jericho’s walls collapse after Israel follows God’s instructions.
Key Highlights:
- Israel marches around Jericho for seven days.
- On the seventh day, they shout, and the walls fall down.
- Rahab and her family are saved.
Lesson: Victory comes through faith and obedience to God’s commands.
5. Defeat & Victory at Ai (Joshua 7-8)
Israel suffers a defeat at Ai because of Achan’s sin but later wins when they repent.
Key Highlights:
- Achan secretly takes forbidden items from Jericho.
- God punishes Israel until the sin is removed.
- After repentance, Israel defeats Ai.
Lesson: Sin leads to consequences, but repentance restores God’s favour.
6. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9)
The Gibeonites trick Israel into making a peace treaty, pretending to be from a distant land.
Key Highlights:
- Joshua fails to ask God for guidance.
- Israel is forced to honour the treaty, though they were deceived.
Lesson: Seek God’s wisdom before making decisions.
7. The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10)
During the battle, Joshua prays for the sun to stand still, and God grants Israel extra daylight, enabling Israel to win.
Key Highlights:
- Israel defeats five Amorite kings.
- Hailstones kill more enemies than swords.
- The sun stays in the sky longer.
Lesson: God controls creation and fights for His people.
8. Dividing the Promised Land (Joshua 13-22)
After the significant battles, Joshua distributes the land among the twelve tribes of Israel.
Key Highlights:
- Caleb receives Hebron for his faithfulness.
- The Levites are given cities instead of land.
- Cities of Refuge are established.
Lesson: God is faithful to His promises, giving His people their inheritance.
9. Joshua’s Final Words & Death (Joshua 23-24)
As Joshua nears death, he urges Israel to remain faithful to God.
Key Highlights:
- Joshua reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness.
- He calls them to serve God alone (Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”).
- Joshua dies at 110 years old, and Israel remains faithful for a time.
Lesson: A strong foundation in God helps future generations remain faithful.
Final Thoughts
The Book of Joshua teaches us that God’s promises are fulfilled when we trust and obey Him. It reminds us that faith, courage, and obedience lead to victory.
