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 not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
• Joshua 21:45There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
• Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.