Joshua

God commissions Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses' death. He commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising His presence. Joshua orders the people to prepare to cross the Jordan.

Joshua sends two spies to Jericho who are hidden by Rahab the prostitute. She confesses faith in Israel's God and secures a promise of safety for her family. The spies return with an encouraging report.

The Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry ground as the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the water. God miraculously stops the river's flow, demonstrating His power to the new generation.

Twelve stones are set up at Gilgal as a memorial of the Jordan crossing. Joshua explains the stones will serve as a testimony to future generations about God's mighty works.

The Israelites are circumcised at Gilgal, observe Passover, and the manna ceases as they eat the produce of Canaan. Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's army near Jericho.

The walls of Jericho fall after the Israelites march around the city for seven days following God's instructions. Rahab and her family are spared. The city is devoted to destruction as God commanded.

Israel is defeated at Ai because Achan took forbidden plunder from Jericho. God reveals the sin, and Achan and his family face judgment. Israel learns that one person's disobedience affects the whole community.

Israel conquers Ai using an ambush strategy after dealing with Achan's sin. Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and reads the entire Law to the people as Moses had commanded.

The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land. Though tricked, Israel honors the oath, and the Gibeonites become servants.

God fights for Israel with hailstones and makes the sun stand still during battle against a coalition of five Amorite kings. Joshua conquers the southern cities of Canaan in a sweeping campaign.

Joshua defeats a massive northern coalition led by Jabin king of Hazor. After years of warfare, he conquers the entire land as God commanded, though some areas remain unconquered.

A summary lists all thirty-one kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan and by Joshua west of the Jordan. This catalog records God's faithfulness in giving Israel the Promised Land.

God tells Joshua that much land remains to be conquered despite his old age. The territories east of the Jordan given to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are described in detail.

Caleb, at 85 years old, asks Joshua for the hill country of Hebron that God promised him 45 years earlier. His faith and vigor remain strong, and Joshua grants his request.

The territory allotted to the tribe of Judah is described in detail, including its borders and cities. Caleb conquers Hebron and Debir. Judah cannot drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem.

The territory of the descendants of Joseph — Ephraim — is described. The Ephraimites fail to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer, who remain as forced laborers among them.

The territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan is described. The descendants of Joseph complain about receiving too little land, and Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country.

The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh and Joshua rebukes seven tribes for delaying to claim their inheritance. He sends surveyors to map the remaining land and distributes it by lot. Benjamin's territory is described.

The remaining tribal allotments are given: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Joshua himself receives the city of Timnath-serah in Ephraim as his personal inheritance.

God commands Joshua to designate six cities of refuge — three on each side of the Jordan — where those who accidentally kill someone can flee for protection from the avenger of blood.

The Levites receive 48 cities with pasturelands distributed throughout the tribal territories as God commanded through Moses. The chapter concludes affirming that God fulfilled every promise He made to Israel.

The eastern tribes return home after helping conquer Canaan. They build a large altar by the Jordan, alarming the western tribes who fear idolatry. The eastern tribes explain it is a memorial, not for sacrifice, and conflict is averted.

Joshua, now old, gathers Israel's leaders for a farewell address. He reminds them of God's faithfulness in battle and warns them that intermarriage and idolatry with remaining nations will lead to their downfall.

Joshua recounts God's saving acts from Abraham to the conquest and challenges Israel to choose whom they will serve. The people renew their covenant with God. Joshua dies at 110 and is buried at Timnath-serah.