Introduction to Joshua

Joshua is about bravery, rooted in faith in Yahweh. The book of Joshua takes place just after the death of Moses, Israel’s longtime leader. It begins with God commissioning Moses’ successor, Joshua, to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River to take possession of the land that had long ago been promised to their forefather Abraham (Josh 1:1–5; compare Gen 17:8). In the narrative, the Israelites engage in a military campaign against the nations that already live in the promised land, Canaan. Eventually, through God’s intervention, they settle the land and allot territories to their 12 tribes (Josh 14:1–5).

The narrative does not merely recount the events of the conquest of Canaan; it also interprets these events theologically. At the end of the book, Joshua charges Israel to choose Yahweh as their God, and the Israelites symbolically renew their covenant with Yahweh.

Background

Joshua and the subsequent Old Testament books (Judges, 1–2 Samuel, and 1–2 Kings) relate Israel’s history using the framework set out in Deuteronomy: When the Israelites are faithful to their covenant with Yahweh, things go well for them and they receive God’s blessing. But when they violate the covenant, they experience war and suffering.

The historical period for Israel’s conquests described in Joshua is uncertain, but there are two common options—either around 1400 bc or around 1220 bc. Both dates fall within the period of ancient Near Eastern history known as the Late Bronze Age (1550–1200 bc). This was a time of upheaval and regional conflict in Canaan.

Structure

Joshua can be divided into three sections. The first section (Josh 1–12) describes the conquest of Canaan, including the battle of Jericho and the observance of the first Passover in the promised land.

The second section (chs. 13–21) outlines the allotment of land to the 12 tribes of Israel. The Levites receive no tribal territory, but rather settle in cities throughout the other tribes’ lands where they can serve as spiritual leaders (ch. 21).

The third section deals with the Israelites’ covenant with Yahweh (chs. 22–24). The tribes that settle east of the Jordan build a commemorative altar, which raises concerns that they are violating regulations about the proper place of worship (ch. 22). The now-elderly Joshua assembles the Israelites at the city of Shechem and leads them in reaffirming their commitment to serve Yahweh alone (chs. 23–24).

Outline

• God commissions Joshua (1:1–18)

• Israel conquers the land (2:1–12:24)

• Joshua distributes the land (13:1–21:45)

• Joshua’s farewell address (22:1–24:33)

Themes

The book of Joshua emphasizes the importance of faith, in both times of war and peace. Joshua’s faith in Yahweh allows him to act courageously as he takes over for Moses and leads Israel into the promised land. He acts in obedience, even when God’s strategy does not seem to make sense—such as marching around Jericho and blowing trumpets until the city’s walls collapse (ch. 6). Joshua’s faith is an act of obedience grounded in Yahweh’s promise to never fail him or abandon him (1:5).

The prostitute Rahab also acts faithfully by risking her life and the lives of her family to hide the spies Joshua sent into Jericho. She has seen the powerful acts of Yahweh and acknowledges that He is the God of heaven and earth (2:8–11). In addition, the tribes that settle east of the Jordan—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—act in faith by returning to their territories and building their own altar as a symbol that they are also part of Yahweh’s covenant people, united with the tribes west of the Jordan (22:21–30). Joshua gathers all the tribes at Shechem, where they renew their pledge of faithfulness to Yahweh (24:1–28).

Behind the physical warfare of Joshua is a spiritual battle. Yahweh issues war on nations ruled by evil powers (Lev 18:24–30; Num 22; Deut 9:4–6; 12:31; 32:8–9, 43; 1 Sam 5; compare Eph 6:12); Yahweh aims to show that He is the God of order and justice who will rightfully lay claim to the world that is His. Yahweh uses the land of Israel as a starting point to reclaim the world.

Although the book of Joshua tells about the Israelites’ battles, the main focus is on Yahweh’s faithfulness to His people—as He protects them in battle, gives them the land He had promised, and restores peace among them. The people of Israel were responsible for choosing to follow God and wholeheartedly obey His covenant (Josh 1:7; 23:6), just as we are responsible to follow and obey Him today. If we do, we too will know God’s faithfulness.

Yahweh continues to fight against sin and evil (Eph 6:12). As followers of Jesus, God calls us to take up His armor and join Him in this spiritual battle for the betterment of our broken world (Eph 6:10–18).

Further Reading

The Historical Books

Joshua, Book of CLBD

Joshua the General, Son of Nun CLBD

Conquest of Canaan CLBD