The Book of Joshua
Joshua tells of Israel entering and conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership — a story of courage, faith, and God keeping his promises across generations.
- Testament
- Old (24 chapters)
- Type
- History
- Date
- Events traditionally 1400-1350 BC, depending on the exodus date adopted.
God keeps long promises
The land promised to Abraham four centuries earlier is now occupied. Joshua's repeated word from God — 'Be strong and of a good courage' (1:6, 1:9, 1:18) — frames every battle. The book insists that the conquest is God's gift, not Israel's achievement.
Covenant choice
The book ends with Joshua's challenge at Shechem: 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD' (24:15). The book pivots Israel from a wilderness people to a settled covenant nation, and asks every generation since the same question.
Key verses (KJV)
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.” — Joshua 21:45 (KJV)
How to read Joshua
The conquest narratives (chapters 1-12) read like an epic; the land allotments (13-21) are skimmable on first pass. End slowly with Joshua's two farewell speeches (23-24).
Read Joshua on your iPhone
Read the full book of Joshua in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Book of Joshua about?
Joshua is a book of History, running to 24 chapters. Its main threads: God keeps long promises; Covenant choice.
Who wrote the Book of Joshua?
Traditionally Joshua himself, with later editorial work. The narrative may have reached final form during the early monarchy.
Where does Joshua come in the Bible?
Joshua is one of the 39 books of the Old Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the History books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.