Before he died, Moses commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land (Deuteronomy 31:7–8). Now, the Lord himself commissions Joshua with a series of remarkable promises (Joshua 1:1–9).

Strengthened by these promises, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan (chapters 2–4), renews their covenant with the Lord (chapter 5), and overthrows more than 30 evil kingdoms that had occupied the promised land (chapters 6–12).

Having assigned land east of the Jordan River, Joshua begins the task of dividing the land west of the Jordan (chapters 13–21), but these efforts go awry when some tribes refuse to trust the Lord and obey Him. A civil war even nearly breaks out, but is narrowly averted (chapter 22).

One of Joshua’s last tasks is to deliver farewell addresses to the Israelite leaders and people together (chapters 23–24). He exhorts them to remain true to the Lord, just as the Lord had remained true to them.

In the end, does Joshua fulfil God’s purposes in his generation? Without a doubt, yes. Does God keep all His promises to Joshua? Again, yes. We can thank the Lord for His promise-keeping mercy, grace, and love for us!

The Structure of Joshua

Key Verse
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15