Joshua

About Joshua

Joshua tells how Israel finally entered, conquered, and divided the land God promised to Abraham centuries earlier. It was written to show that not one of God's good promises failed and to call each new generation to choose whom they will serve. In the Bible's big story, it marks the moment promise becomes possession—while hinting that a deeper rest is still to come.

Written by

The book is anonymous; Jewish tradition connects it to Joshua himself, and it notes that he recorded some things, but it also describes events after his death.

When

The events are usually placed around 1406–1380 BC or the 1200s BC, depending on the dating of the exodus; scholars agree the book's final form came sometime later, though how much later is debated.

Themes

• God keeps His promises
• Courage rooted in God's presence
• The gift of the land
• Obedience and trust
• Choosing to serve the LORD

Key verses

• Joshua 1:9Have 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.”
• Joshua 21:45Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.
• Joshua 24:15But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”