Historical narrative · 24 chapters
Joshua
God brings Israel into the land and calls them to covenant faithfulness. Read conquest accounts in their ancient setting, not as permission for modern violence.
Historical & literary context
Author unnamed. Set during Israel’s entry into Canaan after Moses’ death; the chronology and archaeological interpretation of the conquest are debated.
Introduction and study notes are commentary, not Scripture.
The shape of the book
- 1–12 · Entry and conquest
- 13–22 · Allotment of the land
- 23–24 · Farewell and covenant renewal
A passage to begin with
Joshua 24:14-15
14Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain
Read the full chapterThink it through
Why does receiving God’s gifts still require a decision about whom to serve?