Know the Word.
Your studiesOverviewsAboutSupport
Book 6 of 66 · Old Testament

Joshua

Israel crosses the Jordan under Joshua, takes the land, and divides it among the tribes.

24 chapters658 versesWritten in HebrewSet Canaan, the conquest and division of the land (c. 1400 BC)

Overview

Joshua picks up after Moses' death: Israel finally enters the land promised to Abraham. Under Joshua they cross the Jordan, take Jericho and other cities, and — after a defeat caused by Achan's sin — subdue much of the land. The second half divides the territory among the tribes and ends with Joshua's farewell and a covenant at Shechem.

Book facts

Author
Unknown; traditionally JoshuaNamed for its central figure; the book itself does not say who wrote it.
Date written
c. 1000 BC or laterThe events are set c. 1400–1370 BC; the writing is usually dated later.
Original language
HebrewHebrew narrative and territory lists.
Setting
Canaan, the conquest and division of the land (c. 1400 BC)Israel enters the promised land under Joshua.

How it came to be

Joshua names no author. It is named for Joshua, Moses' successor, who leads Israel into the land.

Jewish tradition credits Joshua with most of it; the account of his death was clearly added later.

What is arguedHow and when it was composed, and how its account of a swift conquest relates to the slower settlement described in Judges. Scholars weigh the narrative against the archaeology of the period.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

ChapterWhat happensWho is in itWhere it takes place
Taking the land — crossing the Jordan and the conquest, chapters 1–12
Chapter 1The commissionAfter Moses' death, God commissions Joshua to lead Israel into the land: "Be strong and of a good courage."—
Chapter 2Rahab and the spiesTwo spies are hidden in Jericho by Rahab, who is promised safety.
Chapter 3Crossing the JordanThe Jordan stops flowing as the priests carry the ark across, and Israel crosses on dry ground.
Chapter 4The twelve stonesTwelve stones are set up as a memorial of the crossing.,
Chapter 5GilgalIsrael is circumcised and keeps the Passover at Gilgal, and the manna stops.
Chapter 6The walls of JerichoIsrael marches around Jericho for seven days, and its walls fall; only Rahab's household is spared.,
Chapter 7AchanIsrael is defeated at Ai because Achan secretly kept forbidden plunder; he is found out and punished.,
Chapter 8The taking of AiIsrael takes Ai by ambush, then renews the covenant on Mount Ebal.
Chapter 9The GibeonitesThe Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty by pretending to come from far away.
Chapter 10The sun stands stillJoshua defends Gibeon; the sun stands still, and five southern kings are defeated.,
Chapter 11The northern kingsJoshua defeats a coalition of northern kings under Jabin of Hazor., —
Chapter 12The conquered kingsA summary list of the kings Israel defeated on both sides of the Jordan., , —
Dividing the land — the territory shared among the tribes, chapters 13–22
Chapter 13The land remainingGod notes the land still to be possessed, and the inheritance of the eastern tribes.—
Chapter 14Caleb's inheritanceCaleb, still strong at eighty-five, claims Hebron as promised.,
Chapter 15Judah's territoryThe borders and towns of Judah; Caleb's daughter Achsah asks for springs of water., ,
Chapter 16Ephraim's territoryThe territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim.——
Chapter 17Manasseh's territoryThe territory of Manasseh, including the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad.——
Chapter 18The land at ShilohThe remaining land is surveyed and divided by lot at Shiloh.
Chapter 19The last portionsThe inheritances of the last tribes, and a town for Joshua himself.
Chapter 20The cities of refugeSix cities of refuge are set apart for those who kill by accident.——
Chapter 21The Levite citiesForty-eight towns are given to the Levites among all the tribes.—
Chapter 22The altar of witnessThe eastern tribes build an altar that nearly starts a war, until they explain it is a witness, not a rival.—
Joshua's farewell — final charge and covenant, chapters 23–24
Chapter 23Joshua's chargeJoshua, now old, charges Israel to hold fast to God and not mix with the other nations.—
Chapter 24The covenant at ShechemJoshua gathers Israel at Shechem — "choose you this day whom ye will serve" — and they renew the covenant.

All 24 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Key people

Tap a name to see who they are.

Key places

Tap a place to see where it is.

Known for

Some of the book's best-known moments — tap the verse to read it.