# The book of Joshua

> Joshua tells how Israel crossed the Jordan and took the land God had promised. Jericho falls, the land is divided among the tribes, and Joshua ends by calling the people to choose whom they will serve.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/about
Section: History · 24 chapters

## Who wrote Joshua?

The book does not name its author. Jewish tradition credited Joshua with most of it. Many scholars see it as part of a longer history (Deuteronomy through 2 Kings) shaped during or after the exile.

## When was it written?

Events are dated to about 1400 BC or about 1200 BC, depending on the date of the exodus.

## Main themes

- **God keeps his promise.** The land promised to Abraham is given.
- **Courage from God’s presence.** “Be strong and courageous” rests on God’s promise to be with them.
- **Choose whom you will serve.** Faithfulness is a decision each generation makes.

## Outline

- Chapters 1–5: [Crossing the Jordan](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/1)
- Chapters 6–12: [Taking the land](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/6)
- Chapters 13–21: [Dividing the land among the tribes](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/13)
- Chapters 22–24: [Joshua’s farewell and the covenant renewed](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/22)

## Key verses

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

> Did I not command you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or lose heart, because Yahweh your God is with you everywhere you go.
> — [Joshua 1:9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/1#9)

> Not one of all the good promises that Yahweh had made to the house of Israel failed; every one came true.
> — [Joshua 21:45](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/21#45)

> If it seems wrong in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: the gods your ancestors served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But I and my household will serve Yahweh.
> — [Joshua 24:15](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/24#15)

## Where to start

Chapter 1 sets the tone. Then read Rahab and Jericho in chapters 2 and 6. [Read Joshua 1](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/1.md)

Read the whole book: https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/1.md
Ask about it: https://www.lumin.faith/ask.md