Joshua
The book of Joshua, written by Joshua except for the ending, which may have been written by the high priest Phinehas, to the people of Israel around 1390 BC, details the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Notable events include crossing the Jordan River, the fall of Jericho's walls, and dividing the land among the twelve tribes. Joshua emerges as a faithful leader, emphasizing obedience to God's commands and faith in His promises. This book signifies the Israelites' transition from wilderness wanderers to landowners, fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham.
Joshua Installed As Leader - Chapter 1
After Moses' death, God appoints Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites, instructing him to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. God promises to be with him as He was with Moses, and Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous. The Israelites pledge the same obedience to Joshua as they did to Moses.
Rahab And The Spies - Chapter 2
Joshua sends two Israelite spies to Jericho and sought refuge at the house of Rahab, a prostitute. When the king of Jericho learns of their presence, Rahab hides them on her roof and deceives the king's men into thinking the two Israelites have already left. Rahab tells the two Israelites that she knows God has given the land to the Israelites and seeks protection for her family in return for her assistance. The spies promise safety in exchange for her cooperation, and she aids their escape by lowering them through a window using a rope, allowing them to return to Joshua with valuable information.
Crossing The Jordan - Chapter 3
The Israelites, led by priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant, prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. God commands them to follow the Ark and consecrate themselves. As the priests step into the river, the waters part, creating a dry path for the people to cross. They pass through the river on dry ground, affirming God's presence and Joshua's leadership.
Crossing The Jordan (cont.) - Chapter 4 & Chapter 5:1
Twelve men, representing the twelve tribes, each take a stone from the Jordan River as the Israelites cross on dry ground. These stones are used to build a memorial altar at their camp in Gilgal, serving as a reminder of God's miraculous act in parting the Jordan. This memorial is intended to be a witness to future generations, ensuring that they remember God's power and the significance of their crossing into the Promised Land. The kings of the Amorites and Canaanites, who inhabited the Promised Land, were greatly alarmed when they heard about the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River.
Circumcision And The Passover At Gilgal - Chapter 5:2-15
Upon entering the Promised Land, the Israelites observe the Passover, renewing their connection to God. The manna, which sustained them in the wilderness, ceases as they begin to eat the produce of the land. This marks a transition from the dependence on God to provide food to the abundance of the Promised Land, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises and their new phase of settled life.
The Fall Of Jericho
A divine figure, referred to as the commander of the Lord's army, appears before Joshua near Jericho. Joshua bows in reverence and is instructed to remove his sandals because the ground is holy. The commander was likely an angel sent from God.
The Fall Of Jericho (cont.) - Chapter 6
The Israelites, following divine instructions, encircle Jericho for seven days, with priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they march around the city seven times, and at the priests' trumpet blasts and the people's shouts, the walls of Jericho collapse. The city is conquered, and every living thing is devoted to destruction, except Rahab and her family. Rahab's house is spared as she had aided the Israelite spies. The Israelites take the city's valuable items for the treasury of the Lord's house.
Achan's Sin - Chapter 7
After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites attempt to conquer Ai but suffer a defeat due to Achan's sin of taking devoted items. Joshua discovers the sin through a casting of lots, and Achan confesses to stealing valuable items. Achan, his family, and possessions are stoned and burned. Following this judgment, God's anger subsides, and the Israelites regain their strength.
Ai Destroyed - Chapter 8
The Israelites, following divine instructions, make a second attempt to conquer Ai. They employ a strategic ambush, with part of their forces hiding behind the city while others lure the men of Ai away. As planned, Ai's warriors are drawn out, leaving the city undefended. The hidden Israelite troops then enter and set the city on fire, while those who had lured the enemy return to attack from the rear. The men of Ai are defeated, and the king is captured and executed. The city is plundered, and the victorious Israelites renew their covenant with God, highlighting the importance of obedience and strategic planning in their conquest.
The Covenant Renewed At Mount Ebal
On Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, the Israelites build an altar with uncut stones, inscribing the law on them as instructed in Moses' law. Joshua read the words of the law aloud to the entire assembly, including the foreigners among them, reinforcing their commitment to God's covenant. The blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, outlined in the law, are solemnly declared. This ceremony serves as a public renewal of their covenant with God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to His commandments and the consequences of straying from His laws, uniting the people in their commitment to follow God's guidance.
The Gibeonite Deception - Chapter 9
Gibeonite representatives deceive the Israelites by pretending to be from a distant land and requesting a treaty. Without consulting God, the Israelite leaders make a covenant of peace with them. Three days later, they discover the Gibeonites' true identity. However, due to the binding oath, they spare the Gibeonites but make them servants, woodcutters, and water carriers.
The Sun Stands Still - Chapter 10
Five Amorite kings unite to attack Gibeon, prompting the Gibeonites to seek help from Israel. God assures victory and causes panic among the Amorites. During the battle, God hurls large hailstones upon the fleeing enemies, killing more than those slain by Israel's sword. Upon Joshua's request, the sun and moon stand still until Israel achieves total victory.
Five Amorite Kings Killed
Following their victory, the five Amorite kings are found hiding in a cave, and Joshua orders large stones to be placed at the cave's entrance to seal it. Israel then continues its military campaign, defeating other cities and their kings in the southern region. When Joshua receives news of the sealed cave, he orders the kings brought before him. Joshua tells his commanders to place their feet on the kings' necks as a symbol of victory. The kings are executed, and their bodies are hung on trees until evening.
Southern Cities Conquered
The Israelites continue their military campaign, capturing various cities and their kings in the southern and northern regions of Canaan. Their victories extend to cities like Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. These conquests result in the complete destruction of the cities, including their inhabitants, as commanded by God. The Israelites' obedience to God's instructions lead to their domination in the region, as they take possession of the land God promised to them.
Northern Kings Defeated - Chapter 11
A coalition of northern kings unites against the Israelites. They gather to fight at the waters of Merom. God instructs Joshua not to fear, and Israel defeats the enemy, capturing their cities and kings. The campaign covers the northern region from Hazor to Gibeon, resulting in the destruction of these cities. The Israelites take control of the land and fulfill God's promise to give them victory over their enemies.
List Of Defeated Kings - Chapter 12
The Israelites defeat thirty-one kings, both east and west of the Jordan River, conquering various Canaanite kingdoms and recording their names and territories. The kings represent the various Canaanite kingdoms that the Israelites, under divine guidance, conquered in their campaign to take possession of the Promised Land. These victories mark the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the Promised Land into their hands, demonstrating the extent of their conquests under divine guidance.
Land Still To Be Taken - Chapter 13
After many years of conquest, God tells Joshua that there remains unconquered land in Canaan. The regions include the Philistine territory, the Geshurites, and the Avvim. God commands Joshua to allot this land to the remaining tribes of Israel as their inheritance, indicating that there is still work to be done to fully possess the Promised Land.
Division Of The Land
The territories east of the Jordan River were allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These areas, once belonging to the Amorites, stretched from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon. The Levites, who didn't receive specific land, were given cities to reside in, along with pasturelands for their livestock. This distribution of land reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the Israelites and ensures that all tribes, including the Levites, received their rightful portion of the Promised Land.
Division Of The Land West Of The Jordan - Chapter 14
The land west of the Jordan River is allocated among the Israelite tribes by casting lots. The Levites receive no inheritance, while the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and half of Manasseh are allotted their portions. This division of land demonstrates the equitable distribution of territory among the tribes as they settle in the Promised Land.
Allotment for Caleb
Caleb, one of the original twelve spies sent to explore Canaan, approaches Joshua in Kadesh-Barnea. Caleb recounts how he followed God wholeheartedly and, at the age of 85, he is still strong and ready for battle. Caleb requests the mountain region where he had previously scouted, Hebron, as his inheritance. Joshua blesses Caleb and grants him the land of Hebron, recognizing his unwavering faith and commitment to God.
Allotment For Judah - Chapter 15
The territorial allotments for the tribe of Judah are detailed, spanning from the southern tip of the Salt Sea to the southern border of Edom, including cities like Hebron, Debir, and Gaza. The land encompasses a diverse landscape, from wilderness areas to fertile lands, and includes cities assigned to the priestly Levites. This comprehensive description fulfills God's promise to provide the Promised Land for the tribe of Judah.
Allotment For Ephriam And Manasseh - Chapters 16 & 17
Ephraim's territory is designated and extends from the wilderness of Jericho to Bethel and Luz. The land allocation encompasses various cities and towns. However, Ephraim does not completely displace the Canaanites from Gezer, highlighting the continuing presence of non-Israelite inhabitants within their allotted territory.
The western half of Manasseh's inheritance is described as situated west of the Jordan River. The descendants of Manasseh, led by the firstborn Machir, receive land allocations. The people of Joseph express concern about the seemingly insufficient territory and request additional land from Joshua. Joshua responds by advising them to clear the heavily forested hill country, inhabited by the Canaanites. Joshua underscores the need for diligence and effort in conquering the land, urging them to become strong and take possession of their inheritance, reinforcing the idea that the extent of their land depends on their own action and determination.
Division Of The Rest Of The Land - Chapters 18
The Israelite congregation gathers at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stands. Joshua urges the leaders to appoint surveyors to map the remaining unconquered territory in the Promised Land, dividing it into seven portions. The land is to be described in detail and the maps presented to Joshua. Joshua then cast lots before God to allocate each tribe's inheritance.
Allotment For Benjamin
The Levites, who serve as priests, are not assigned a specific territorial inheritance. Instead, they are given cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, where they can live and serve as religious leaders. This distribution of Levitical cities reflects their role as caretakers of the Tabernacle and spiritual guides for the Israelites. Additionally, the portion of land designated for the tribe of Benjamin is detailed, including cities like Jericho, Bethel, and Gibeon. These allocations ensure a fair division of the Promised Land among the tribes and help structure tribal life in Canaan.
Allotment For Simeon - Chapters 19
The allocation of land continues with the tribe of Simeon, who receive their inheritance within the territory of Judah in the southern region of Canaan. This portion includes cities like Beersheba, Sheba, and Moladah, ensuring that Simeon has their designated portion of the Promised Land.
Allotment For Zebulun
Zebulun's inheritance is determined in the northern region of Canaan. Cities such as Sarid and Daberath become part of their allotted territory, allowing the tribe of Zebulun to establish their presence in this area.
Allotment For Issachar
The tribe of Issachar receives its inheritance in the northern part of Canaan. Cities like Jarmuth and En-gannim become part of their designated portion, ensuring their settlement in this region.
Allotment For Asher
The allocation of land continues with the tribe of Asher in the western region of Canaan. Cities like Helkath and Acco are included in their inheritance, providing a place for the tribe of Asher to settle.
Allotment For Naphtali
Naphtali's inheritance is determined in the northern part of Canaan. Cities like Kedesh and Daberath become part of their allotted territory, allowing the tribe of Naphtali to establish their presence in this area.
Allotment For Dan
Dan's portion of land is allocated, with cities such as Zorah and Ekron included in their inheritance. This ensures that the tribe of Dan has a designated place to settle in the western region of Canaan.
Allotment For Naphtali
The distribution of land concludes with the determination of Joshua's inheritance in Timnath-serah within the territory of Ephraim. This marks the completion of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes, including Joshua's own portion.
Cities Of Refuge - Chapter 20
Cities of refuge are designated for the Israelites, providing safe havens for those who unintentionally kill someone. These cities are strategically spread throughout the land, ensuring accessibility to all. If a person kills another accidentally, they can flee to one of these cities for protection from avengers until a fair trial is held, emphasizing the importance of justice and mercy in dealing with unintended harm.
Towns For The Levites - Chapter 21
The Levites, who serve as priests, receive cities and pasturelands from the other tribes as their inheritance. These Levitical cities are designated as places of refuge for those who accidentally cause harm. The cities that were distributed to the Levites include Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, each subgroup of Levites receiving specific cities. This equitable distribution reflects God's command to provide for the Levites who do not receive a territorial inheritance. It ensures their well-being and service in maintaining the Tabernacle and offering spiritual guidance. The passage lists a total of 48 Levitical cities, underscoring the Israelites' commitment to honoring their covenant with God and acknowledging the importance of the priesthood in their religious practices.
Eastern Tribes Return Home - Chapter 22
After completing the conquest of Canaan, Joshua sends Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to their territory east of the Jordan River. Before departing, they erect a large altar near the western tribes, causing concern that they are turning away from the Lord. The western tribes prepare for war but decide to send representatives first. The eastern tribes explain that the altar is not for offerings but a symbol of their faith and lasting unity with the other tribes.
Joshua's Farewell To The Leaders - Chapter 23
As Joshua nears the end of his life, he gathers the leaders and recounts God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Joshua encourages Israel to remain loyal to the covenant, warning against intermarriage and compromise with the remaining Canaanite nations, as such associations can lead to idolatry and disobedience. Joshua reminds them of God's mighty acts in their favor and the consequences of turning away from Him. Joshua also underscores the importance of steadfast devotion to God, as the failure to do so will result in the loss of His protection and the land they have inherited.
The Covenant Renewed At Shechem - Chapter 24
The Israelites gather at Shechem, where they renew their covenant with God. They recall their history, from Abraham's journey to Egypt's deliverance, highlighting God's faithfulness. Joshua challenges them to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and choose between God and the idols of their ancestors. Joshua records the decrees and laws in the Book of The Law of God.
Buried In The Promised Land
After Joshua's death at the age of 110, he is buried in his inheritance in Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. This marked the conclusion of Joshua's leadership and his pivotal role in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.