Main Idea
The book of Joshua tells the story of Israel entering the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, showing how God’s faithfulness and Israel’s obedience (or disobedience) shape their inheritance of His promises.
Key Verse
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Commentary
The book of Joshua continues the story where Deuteronomy ended. Moses, the servant of the Lord, has died, and leadership has passed to Joshua, Moses’ assistant and the commander chosen by God. Joshua’s name in Hebrew, Yehoshua, means “The LORD saves,” and it is the same name later translated into Greek as Iēsous—Jesus. His role is to lead God’s people into the inheritance promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Joshua serves as both a continuation and a turning point in the story of Israel. The Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy) traces the formation of God’s covenant people: chosen in Abraham, redeemed from Egypt, given God’s law through Moses. Now Joshua begins the “Former Prophets,” the section of the Hebrew Bible that tells the history of Israel in the land. It is not simply a military chronicle but a theological history, showing how God’s promises are fulfilled and how obedience or disobedience affects the nation’s destiny.
The setting is the land of Canaan, the territory God promised to Abraham centuries before (Genesis 12:7). After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the people are finally poised to cross the Jordan River. The book covers roughly twenty-five years, from the initial entry into the land to the division of the land among the tribes. Its major themes include God’s faithfulness to His promises, the call for Israel’s courage and obedience, the holiness of God’s covenant people, and the danger of compromise with idolatry.
Joshua can be divided into four main sections. Chapters 1–5 describe Israel’s preparation and crossing into the land, with the miraculous parting of the Jordan and the renewal of the covenant at Gilgal. Chapters 6–12 record the conquest of Canaan, beginning with Jericho and continuing through major campaigns in the south and north. Chapters 13–22 focus on the division of the land among the tribes, stressing that every tribe has its inheritance from the Lord. Finally, chapters 23–24 contain Joshua’s farewell speeches, urging the people to remain faithful and sealing their covenant commitment at Shechem.
Theologically, Joshua presents God as the Divine Warrior who fights for His people. The fall of Jericho, the victories over the Canaanite kings, and the miraculous halting of the sun in chapter 10 demonstrate that the land is gained not by Israel’s strength but by the Lord’s power. At the same time, the book underscores the importance of obedience. The defeat at Ai (chapter 7) shows how sin in the camp can bring defeat, while the covenant renewal ceremonies highlight the centrality of God’s law.
Joshua’s leadership is portrayed as both courageous and dependent. He is repeatedly told to “be strong and courageous” because the mission before him is daunting. Yet his strength is not self-generated; it comes from God’s presence and promises. The book emphasizes that leadership in God’s kingdom requires trust in His Word and obedience to His commands.
For Christians, Joshua points us forward to Jesus, the greater Joshua. Just as Joshua led Israel into the earthly Promised Land, Jesus leads His people into the eternal inheritance of God’s kingdom. The New Testament book of Hebrews makes this connection, noting that Joshua did not give the people ultimate rest (Hebrews 4:8), but Christ does. The battles, victories, and inheritances in Joshua prefigure the spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ.
Life Application
The book of Joshua reminds us that God keeps His promises. For generations, Israel had heard of a land flowing with milk and honey, and now those promises were being fulfilled. God’s timing may not always match ours, but His Word never fails. When He speaks, we can trust Him to act, even if the fulfillment takes longer than we expect.
Joshua also challenges us to courageous obedience. Entering the land was not easy—the people faced fortified cities, powerful armies, and the temptation to compromise. Yet God’s command was clear: be strong, be courageous, and obey His Word. For us, courage means trusting God when obedience is costly—whether in relationships, career choices, or moral convictions. Strength is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God’s presence in the midst of it.
The division of the land teaches us about God’s provision for His people. Each tribe received an inheritance, reminding us that God cares for every family, every community, every person. In Christ, we too receive an inheritance—not land, but eternal life and spiritual blessings in Him (Ephesians 1:11–14). Remembering this helps us live with gratitude and hope, even in uncertain times.
Finally, Joshua’s farewell call is a challenge for us today: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Every generation must decide whether to walk faithfully with God or to drift into idolatry and compromise. Our spiritual legacy is shaped not only by what we say but by the daily choices we make to serve the Lord with integrity.
What Can I Do?
Step into obedience – Identify one area of life where God is calling you to greater trust and obedience. Take one concrete step this week to follow Him, even if it requires courage.
Remember God’s promises – Write down specific promises of God from Scripture that encourage you. Keep them visible in your home or workplace as reminders of His faithfulness.
Ask Yourself
How does Joshua’s story of God’s faithfulness encourage me to trust Him in my own journey?
Where is God calling me to “be strong and courageous” in obedience right now?
Am I living with gratitude for the spiritual inheritance I have in Christ?
How am I preparing the next generation—my children, my church, my community—to remain faithful to God’s covenant?
Do I choose daily to serve the Lord, or am I drifting into compromise with the world around me?
Guided Prayer
Thanksgiving: Thank God for His faithfulness in keeping promises and for the inheritance you have in Christ.
Intercession: Pray for those in your family and church who are facing daunting challenges, that they would be strong and courageous in the Lord.
Petition: Ask God to give you courage to obey His Word, strength to resist compromise, and faith to trust His timing.
Confession: Confess any areas where fear, doubt, or disobedience has kept you from stepping into what God has called you to do.
Praise: Praise God as the Divine Warrior who goes before His people, the faithful Promise-Keeper, and the One who leads you into true and eternal rest through Christ.
