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Pages you visit will appear hereThe conquest and settlement of the Promised Land
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
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| 1 |
God commands Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, promising His presence and success if they courageously obey His law. Joshua prepares the people for crossing the Jordan River into Canaan.
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Commentary
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| 2 |
Joshua sends two spies to scout Jericho, where Rahab the prostitute hides them and professes faith in Israel's God. In return for her protection, the spies promise to spare her and her family when Israel conquers the city.
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| 3 |
The Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry ground as God miraculously stops the flowing water when the priests carrying the ark step into it. This miracle demonstrates God's power and establishes Joshua's leadership before all Israel.
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| 4 |
Twelve stones are taken from the Jordan riverbed to create a memorial at Gilgal, serving as a lasting testimony to God's mighty work for future generations. The crossing is completed and the people camp at Gilgal, their first base in the Promised Land.
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| 5 |
The Israelite men are circumcised at Gilgal, and the people celebrate Passover in the Promised Land for the first time. The manna ceases as they begin eating the produce of Canaan, and Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's army.
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| 6 |
Jericho falls after Israel marches around the city for seven days according to God's specific instructions, with the walls collapsing when they shout and blow trumpets. Rahab and her family are spared, but the city is devoted to destruction except for items going to God's treasury.
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| 7 |
Israel suffers defeat at Ai because Achan secretly took devoted items from Jericho, violating God's command. After Achan and his family are executed for their sin, God's anger is turned away from Israel.
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| 8 |
Israel successfully conquers Ai using a divinely-given battle strategy involving an ambush, demonstrating that victory comes through obedience to God. Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and publicly reads the entire law to all Israel.
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| 9 |
The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land, violating God's command to destroy all Canaanites. Though bound by their oath, Israel makes the Gibeonites servants, showing the consequences of not seeking God's counsel.
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| 10 |
Joshua leads Israel to victory over a coalition of five Amorite kings who attacked Gibeon, with God fighting for Israel by sending hailstones and making the sun stand still. The southern region of Canaan is conquered as God delivers enemy after enemy into Israel's hands.
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| 11 |
Joshua defeats a northern coalition led by Jabin of Hazor, completing the conquest of Canaan's major population centers. The chapter emphasizes that Joshua carried out all of Moses' commands and that the land had rest from war.
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| 12 |
A comprehensive list records all the kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan and by Joshua west of the Jordan. This chapter serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness in giving Israel victory over 31 kings and their territories.
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| 13 |
Though much land remains to be possessed, God instructs Joshua to begin dividing the inheritance among the nine and a half tribes. The chapter details the territory of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh who received their inheritance east of the Jordan.
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| 14 |
The inheritance process begins west of the Jordan, with Caleb receiving Hebron as his personal inheritance due to his faithful service and wholehearted devotion to God. At 85 years old, Caleb demonstrates continued strength and faith in claiming his promised territory.
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| 15 |
The detailed boundaries and cities of Judah's tribal inheritance are established, showing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Caleb successfully drives out the Anakim from his inheritance, while the Jebusites remain in Jerusalem.
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| 16 |
The inheritance boundaries for the tribe of Ephraim are described, though they fail to completely drive out the Canaanites from their territory. This partial obedience foreshadows future problems and compromises in Israel's faithfulness to God.
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| 17 |
The other half of Manasseh receives their inheritance, including special provisions for Zelophehad's daughters who inherit land according to Moses' earlier ruling. The tribe complains about their allotment size, but Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country.
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| 18 |
The remaining seven tribes receive their inheritances after Joshua rebukes their delay in claiming what God has given them. The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh, and surveyors map out the remaining land for division by lot.
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| 19 |
The final six tribes (Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan) receive their territorial inheritances through the casting of lots. Joshua himself receives the city of Timnath-serah as his personal inheritance, completing the land distribution process.
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| 20 |
Six cities of refuge are established where those who accidentally kill someone can flee for protection from the avenger of blood. This provision demonstrates God's justice and mercy, providing due process while protecting both the innocent and the rights of victims' families.
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| 21 |
The Levites receive 48 cities scattered throughout all the tribal territories, fulfilling God's promise to provide for those who serve Him in the tabernacle. The chapter concludes by affirming that God kept every promise He made to Israel regarding the land.
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| 22 |
The eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) return home after faithfully serving in the conquest, but build an altar that nearly causes civil war. The crisis is resolved when they explain the altar is a witness to their faithfulness, not for forbidden worship.
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| 23 |
In his first farewell address, an aged Joshua warns Israel to remain faithful to God and continue driving out the remaining Canaanites. He emphasizes that obedience brings blessing while disobedience will result in losing the Promised Land.
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| 24 |
Joshua's final address recounts God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history and challenges the people to choose whom they will serve. Israel covenant renewally commits to serve the Lord alone, and Joshua dies at 110 years old, having faithfully completed his calling.
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