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Joshua

Outline and Summary

1400–1375 BC 

Author and Date: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, with possible later additions, the book was likely written around 1400–1375 BC.

Summary: Joshua recounts the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The narrative highlights God’s miraculous intervention in battles, such as the fall of Jericho, and the importance of covenant faithfulness. The book ends with Joshua's farewell address, urging Israel to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Central Theme
 God is faithful to His promises, and His people must remain faithful to Him.

Outline for the Book of Joshua

I. Preparation for the Conquest (Joshua 1-5)

  1. Joshua Commissioned by God (Joshua 1)
    • God’s call to Joshua to lead Israel after Moses
    • Encouragement to be strong and courageous
    • Joshua’s instructions to the people to prepare to cross the Jordan
  2. Spies Sent to Jericho (Joshua 2)
    • Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho
    • Rahab hides the spies and helps them escape
    • Rahab’s faith and promise of protection for her family
  3. Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3-4)
    • The Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River on dry ground
    • The Ark of the Covenant leads the way
    • Twelve stones taken from the riverbed as a memorial of the event
  4. Renewal of the Covenant at Gilgal (Joshua 5)
    • Circumcision of the new generation born in the wilderness
    • Celebration of the Passover in the Promised Land
    • The cessation of manna; they begin to eat the produce of the land
    • Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army

II. The Conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6-12)

  1. The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)
    • The battle plan: marching around the city for seven days
    • Jericho’s walls collapse after the seventh day of marching and blowing trumpets
    • Rahab and her family are spared
  2. Achan’s Sin and Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7)
    • Achan’s disobedience: taking plunder from Jericho against God’s command
    • Israel is defeated at Ai due to Achan’s sin
    • Achan’s punishment: he and his family are stoned, and Israel is restored
  3. Victory at Ai and Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal (Joshua 8)
    • Successful ambush and conquest of Ai
    • Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal
    • Reading of the Law and blessings and curses before all Israel
  4. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9)
    • The Gibeonites deceive Joshua and Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land
    • Israel keeps the covenant but makes the Gibeonites servants
  5. The Southern Campaign (Joshua 10)
    • The coalition of southern kings led by the king of Jerusalem attacks Gibeon
    • Israel defends Gibeon; the Lord throws hailstones and lengthens the day by stopping the sun
    • Defeat of the southern cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, and Hebron
  6. The Northern Campaign (Joshua 11)
    • Coalition of northern kings led by Jabin of Hazor is defeated by Israel
    • Israel burns Hazor and defeats the northern cities
  7. Summary of Conquests (Joshua 12)
    • List of kings defeated by Moses (east of the Jordan)
    • List of kings defeated by Joshua (west of the Jordan)


III. Division of the Land (Joshua 13-21)

  1. Land East of the Jordan (Joshua 13)
    • Division of the Transjordan lands (Gilead, Bashan) to Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh
    • Areas still to be conquered
  2. Caleb’s Inheritance (Joshua 14)
    • Caleb’s faithfulness is rewarded with the land of Hebron
  3. Division of the Land Among the Tribes (Joshua 15-19)
    • Detailed description of the tribal allotments: Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan
    • Special cities for the Levites
    • Joshua receives his inheritance at Timnath-Serah
  4. Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20)
    • Designation of six cities of refuge for those who commit accidental manslaughter
  5. Levitical Cities (Joshua 21)
    • Forty-eight cities given to the Levites scattered throughout the tribes

IV. Joshua’s Farewell and Covenant Renewal (Joshua 22-24)

  1. Return of the Transjordan Tribes (Joshua 22)
    • Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh return to their land east of the Jordan after helping Israel conquer Canaan
    • Controversy over the altar they build near the Jordan, which is resolved peacefully
  2. Joshua’s Farewell Address (Joshua 23)
    • Joshua calls Israel to remain faithful to God
    • Warning against turning to other gods and the consequences of disobedience
  3. Covenant Renewal at Shechem (Joshua 24)
    • Joshua recounts Israel’s history from Abraham to the conquest
    • A renewed commitment to serve the Lord; "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
    • Joshua’s death and burial at age 110
    • Burial of Joseph’s bones at Shechem, fulfilling the promise to carry them out of Egypt

Key Themes

1. God Commissions Joshua (Joshua 1)

  • Be Strong and Courageous: God encourages Joshua to lead with strength and courage, promising to be with him as He was with Moses.
  • Meditate on the Law: Success will come by faithfully following God's commands and meditating on the Law.
  • Preparation for Conquest: Joshua organizes the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River.

2. Entering the Promised Land (Joshua 2-5)

  • Spies in Jericho: Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, where they are protected by Rahab, a Canaanite woman who expresses faith in Israel’s God.
  • Crossing the Jordan: God parts the Jordan River, mirroring the Red Sea crossing, as a sign of His presence with Joshua (Joshua 3).
  • Memorial Stones: Twelve stones are taken from the Jordan to commemorate God's miraculous help.
  • Circumcision and Passover: The new generation is circumcised, and they celebrate Passover, renewing their covenant with God.

3. Conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6-12)

  • Fall of Jericho: Following God’s instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho, and the walls collapse (Joshua 6).
  • Sin of Achan: Achan’s disobedience leads to defeat at Ai, but after dealing with his sin, Israel prevails (Joshua 7-8).
  • The Gibeonite Deception: The Gibeonites trick Israel into making a peace treaty, but Israel honors the treaty despite the deceit (Joshua 9).
  • Northern and Southern Campaigns: Joshua leads Israel in major military campaigns, defeating various kings and securing key regions (Joshua 10-12).

4. Division of the Land (Joshua 13-21)

  • Inheritance for the Tribes: The land is divided among the twelve tribes, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.
  • Cities of Refuge: Special cities are established to provide justice and protection for those who accidentally commit manslaughter (Joshua 20).
  • Levitical Cities: The Levites, who serve as priests, receive cities throughout the land instead of a tribal inheritance (Joshua 21).

5. Covenant Faithfulness and Warnings (Joshua 22-24)

  • Altar of Witness: The eastern tribes build an altar as a symbol of unity with the rest of Israel, avoiding conflict through peaceful dialogue (Joshua 22).
  • Joshua’s Farewell Speech: Joshua urges Israel to remain faithful to God, warning them against idolatry and disobedience.
  • Covenant Renewal at Shechem: Israel renews their commitment to serve the Lord alone (Joshua 24).
  • "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord": Joshua’s famous declaration of loyalty inspires the people to affirm their faith.

Holy Bible Outline

Summary and Outline for the 66 Books of Bible

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