ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Chapter 6. Joshua | ToC

Story Line

The book of Joshua begins by noting the death of Moses. God spoke to Joshua, Moses' successor, and encouraged him to lead Israel into the land of Canaan (Joshua 1). Joshua sent two spies to Jericho to provide intelligence before the battle. There they met Rahab, a Canaanite who assisted them (2). The Israelites crossed the Jordan River and went to Gilgal, where all the men were circumcised (3-5). They attacked Jericho and were victorious (6). But Achan stole some property in the process, so the Israelites lost the battle of Ai the first time; they succeeded in the second (7-8). The Gibeonites became allies, but Israel attacked other cities, including Hazor (9-12). Although many territories were not taken (13), Joshua divided the conquered areas among the tribes (14-19) and designated cities of refuge (20). The Levites were given towns but no tribal lands (21). The tribes settled in their territories (22), and Joshua gathered the people to Shechem for his final address and for covenant renewal (23-24).
ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Chapter 6. Joshua | ToC