Entering the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1–5:12)
After Moses’ death, God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising to be with him just as He had been with Moses. Joshua was to obey God’s law and lead the people with faith. The Israelites prepared themselves, ready to finally claim the land God had promised to their ancestors.
Before crossing the Jordan River, Joshua sent two spies to explore the city of Jericho. They were helped by a woman named Rahab, who hid them from the king’s men. Because of her faith and courage, she and her family were promised safety when Israel later conquered the city. Rahab’s trust in God showed that faith can come from anyone willing to believe.
When it was time to cross the Jordan, God performed a miracle. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing, and the people crossed on dry ground—just as their ancestors had crossed the Red Sea. This powerful moment reminded them that God was still with them.
After crossing, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the river as a memorial. Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel and served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness for future generations.
The Israelites then renewed their covenant with God. The men were circumcised, and they celebrated the first Passover in the new land. Soon after, the manna that had fed them in the wilderness stopped. They began to eat food from the land itself—finally tasting the promise God had made so long ago.
Conquering the Promised Land (Joshua 5:13–12:24)
As the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Joshua met a mysterious man with a sword who said he was the commander of the Lord’s army. This encounter reminded Joshua that the battles ahead would be fought by God’s power, not human strength. The people’s success would depend on their faith and obedience to God’s commands.
Their first challenge was the strong city of Jericho. God told Joshua that the army should march around the city once each day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. The priests were to blow trumpets, and the people were to shout. When they obeyed, the walls of Jericho fell, and the city was taken. This victory showed that trust in God brings impossible results.
Next came a setback at the city of Ai. A man named Achan had disobeyed God by keeping forbidden treasures, and because of this sin, Israel lost the battle. After the sin was confessed and corrected, God gave them victory over Ai. The people learned that obedience was the key to God’s blessing.
Joshua then led the people in renewing their covenant with God. He built an altar and read aloud the words of the law, reminding Israel that their success came from following the Lord. As they continued, God gave them victory over many kings and nations.
Through every battle, God was faithful to His promises. The Israelites conquered the land not by their power, but because the Lord fought for them. Each victory proved that when God leads, His people can overcome any obstacle.
Dividing the Promised Land (Joshua 13:1–24:33)
After many victories, Joshua was now an old man, and most of the land had been conquered. God told him that it was time to divide the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe received a specific portion of land as their inheritance, just as God had promised to Abraham long ago. This was a time of fulfillment and peace after years of wandering and war.
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had already received land east of the Jordan River. The remaining tribes were given their territories west of the Jordan. Joshua carefully followed God’s instructions, making sure each tribe received their share. The Levites, who served as priests, were not given land to farm; instead, they were given towns throughout the nation because their special inheritance was serving the Lord.
God’s faithfulness was clear in every detail. The Israelites settled in cities and villages, planted crops, and built homes. The land that had once seemed impossible to reach was now theirs because God had kept His promise. Peace came as the people rested from battle and enjoyed the blessings of their new home.
Joshua set up cities of refuge—safe places for those who accidentally caused harm—and appointed towns for the Levites. These laws showed God’s justice and mercy toward His people.
At the end of his life, Joshua gathered all Israel and reminded them to remain faithful to God. He said, “Choose this day whom you will serve,” declaring, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua’s final words called the people to remember God’s goodness and live in obedience to Him.