Overview of Joshua
6th book of the BIBLE, Old Testament and 1st book in category of 12 historical books
The Book of Joshua covers some twenty-five years of Israel’s history under the leadership of Joshua
Thus, Joshua begins where Deuteronomy leaves off, and takes Israel from the Wilderness to the Promised Land.
In the Book of Joshua, the fulfillment of the land promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:6 was fulfilled.
Out of over a million people, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who left Egypt and entered the Promised Land.
Joshua was born a slave in Egypt but became a conqueror in Canaan.
Joshua Became Israel’s leader at age 85, Led Israel for 25 years, Died at age 110.
Joshua had been one of the 12 spies Moses sent out from Kadesh Barnea. Joshua was 50 years old at the time.
He and Caleb brought back a favorable report.
He and Caleb were permitted to live in Canaan.
Joshua exhibits three great qualities:
His obedient faith in God.
His great courage.
His dedication to God and His Word.
The entire Book of Joshua has to do with the entering, conquering, and occupying the Land of Canaan.
It begins with a statement of the promise of the conquest. 1:2-3
It ends with the completion of the conquest. 23:14
The conquest was accomplished with three military campaigns wherein Israel engaged more than 30 armies over a 7 year period.
1st Military Campaign: Central Canaan. Joshua 6-8
2nd Military Campaign: Southern Canaan. Joshua 9-10
3rd Military Campaign: Northern Campaign. Joshua 11-12
Joshua used the “divide and conquer” method of dividing the Southern part of Canaan from the Northern part.