Name - This book takes its name from the events recorded in the life of its leading character,
Joshua, who was the divinely-chosen successor of Moses as leader of Israel. He was also the
commander in charge of Israel's armies in the conquest of Canaan. This is the first of the twelve
books of history in the Old Testament, including those from Joshua to Esther.
Connection with Preceding Books - This book continues the historical data of Deuteronomy and
completes the story of Israel's redemption. Exodus tells of Israel's deliverance out of bondage,
whereas the book of Joshua gives the story of the second phase of the nation's redemption in its
settlement of the Promised Land (Deut. 6:23). Moses' position as God's representative of the
theocracy set up at Sinai is perpetuated in Joshua. Redemption for Israel in the possession of
Canaan is wrought by the power of God under the leadership of a divinely-appointed
representative and under blood, even as was redemption in deliverance from bondage.
Authorship - The book was written either by Joshua himself toward the close of his life, or it was
wholly written shortly after his death by some other author from documents penned by Joshua.
The account of his death was added by a later compiler.
Purpose of the Book - The book was written to describe the settlement of Israel in Canaan
according to God's promise. It shows how God punished the sin and godlessness of nations in
the destruction of the Canaanites, and it sets forth the unceasing conflict between the forces of
God and the powers of evil.
Outline - The book falls naturally into four main sections: I. The Crossing of the Jordan and the
Conquest of Canaan (1-12) II. The Division of Canaan among the Twelve Tribes and the Special
Provision Made for the Levites (13-21) III. An Occasion of Discord and Its Solution (22) IV.
Joshua's Last Counsels and Death (23-24). Joshua was 80 years old when he assumed leadership
of Israel. He died at the age of 110; thus, the book covers a period of 30 years.
