Guide
What Is the Book of Joshua?
ca. 1200–332 BCE
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Joshua is the first book of Nevi’im (Prophets), the second part of the Jewish Bible. It begins after the death of Moses, when Joshua inherits the leadership of the Israelite people from him and brings them into the land of Canaan. The book is a story of military conquests, most famously the battle of Jericho. Israel defeats almost all of the Canaanite population and takes possession of the land that God promised them. The themes of obedience to God and avoidance of Canaanite religious practices are central to the book.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The Conquest of the Promised Land
Joshua 1–6, 23–24 (selections)
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ attendant:
“My servant Moses is dead. Prepare to cross the Jordan…
Primary Source
Joshua's Prayer at Gibeon
Joshua 10:12–14
Joshua's miraculous appeal at Gibeon quotes a poem from the lost Book of Jashar.
Primary Source
The Conquered Kings of Canaan
Joshua 12:7–24
This list catalogs the specific rulers and cities defeated by the Israelites during the conquest of the Promised Land.