OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

By Gene McCarty

    This book receives its name from the leader of Israel for this period of time. The book begins where the Pentateuch left off, and refers very often to the previous books.     
   Joshua was one of the spies who went into the promised land to spy it out. He also became a great military leader as he led the people of Israel into the promised land. During this time he was one of two men still alive of his generation, so his gray hair would have been unique among his people. Joshua was a man of great faith. 

1. Joshua is appointed to leadership by Jehovah, and receives his directions regarding the words of Moses.
    

2. In chapter 2 spies go to learn of the land that is to be taken for the people of God.
    

3. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 the people of Israel cross the Jordan on dry ground, set up a monument to the occasion, and Jehovah renews his covenant with them.
    

4. Jericho falls to the Lords power before the people of Israel in chapter 6. This information is well documented. The walls fell outward and the stores of food were not ransacked. The houses were destroyed as by an earthquake and there were places where Israel could walk directly into the city over the rubble of the walls.
    

5. We see the terrible power of sin as the people God of lose an easy confrontation in chapter 7.
    

6. The peoples of the promised land fall before Israel as Joshua leads by the Lord's command in chapters 8 thru 12. During this time the sun stands still until God's purpose is satisfied. Thirty one kings are listed by name as they were destroyed by Israel.
    

7. Chapters 13 thru 21 list for us the divisions of the lands between the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapters 15 and 16 list for us two nations of people who were not driven out of their land. These people latter brought many problems to Israel.
    

8. The conclusion of the book comes as Joshua gives his farewell to the people of Israel, and received from them a commitment to serve the Lord faithfully for all their lives. As the book concludes in chapter 24 Joshua is buried at the age of 110.