How to Read Joshua

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Phrases in the first two paragraphs of Joshua hint at the tone to follow. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God promised. “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you….. that you may be successful wherever you go.”

Often the Israelites offer examples of what not to do. Already the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy have given negative examples, and the historical books to follow will describe further failures in lurid detail. But the Old Testament does offer a few bright spots of hope, the book of Joshua being one of the brightest.

(The “good news” character of Joshua causes some people to compare it to the New Testament books of Ephesians and Philippians, which share its success-and-triumph tone. You may want to read one of those New Testament books along with Joshua.)

Fast-paced battle action appears in chapter 1-11, “the book of war.” The latter chapters, “the book of distribution,” mostly concern the parceling out of the land.

You can casually read about the military campaigns of Joshua, but to truly appreciate them you must study a map or Bible atlas. Joshua is a very geographical book. Place-names appear in every chapter, describing the military progress and also the division of land among the tribes of Israel.

As you read Joshua, keep two major themes in mind: Joshua’s leadership and God’s direct involvement in history. Study Joshua’s life as an example of leadership. What were the reasons behind the few failures, such as those recorded in chapters 7 and 9? You may also want to refer to the background passages on his life in Exodus (17, 24, 32, 33) and Numbers (11, 13, 26). What lesson did Joshua learn at each of these key moments?

People You’ll Meet in Joshua

Rahab
Joshua

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