The Book of Joshua
Author	Joshua. (However, some of the "elders that outlived Joshua" probably added portions to the book after his death.)
Date Written	Between 1410 and 1350 BC
Time Span	15-26 years.
Title	From the book's chief character: Joshua.
Background	Joshua is almost stoned to death by his own people (Numbers 14:6-10) nearly 40 years before the book of Joshua begins . . . because out of 12 spies to Canaan only he and Caleb determine to obey God's directions to conquer the land. Because of their unbelief to accept God's Covenant, the children of Israel spend 40 years in the wilderness. But now Joshua, Moses' successor, is preparing to lead the Israelites from the wilderness in their conquest of the Promised Land.
Where Written	East of the Jordan River (the wilderness) before the conquest, and west of the Jordan River (Canaan) thereafter.
To Whom	To the Israelites.
Content	The book of Joshua is primarily the history of Joshua's leadership of Israel. Under divine guidance, Joshua engages in 3 strategic, military operations using brilliant divide-and-conquer tactics, insuring victory over the enemy armies in Canaan. God's miraculous interventions, including the crossing of the Jordan River and the conquest of Jericho, prove to Israel that God is aiding their efforts. The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel and their subsequent settlement in the new land take place. Finally, Joshua exhorts the people before his death to renew their Covenant and to devote themselves to serve and love God wholeheartedly.
Themes	Our greatest asset is not our physical ability or cleverness . . . it is our faith in God's ability to overcome in our behalf. Victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His Word. Sin must be dealt with at once because it brings severe consequences. God is always true to His promises. All things are possible . . . if we have faith in Him who made all things. It is our responsibility to be obedient and faithful to the Covenant of God. God punishes sinful nations as well as sinful individuals.
Key Words	"Choose"; "Serve." Joshua emphasizes that we must do both by his admonition to " 'Choose' you this day whom ye will 'serve' . . . but as for me and my house, we will 'serve' the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).
Outline	1:1- 5:15 Israel's preparation for the conquest of Canaan 6:1-12:24 The conquest of Canaan 13:1-21:45 The allotments of the land of Canaan by tribe 22:1-24:33 Joshua's farewell and death.
More	Audio of the Book of Joshua

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