Old Testament · Historical Books · World English Bible
Joshua
"Rahab the prostitute, her father's household, and all that she had, Joshua saved alive... because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho."
— Joshua 6:25 
The Reading LensEvery verse pulled to the top of a book is chosen by three questions: Where is God’s heart here? Who is He protecting? Who is being saved by the action? It marks the place where those answers come into clearest focus — a “look at this, in this book.”
About the Book
Joshua is the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land — the walls of Jericho, the long campaigns, and the dividing of the land among the tribes. Its keynote is courage grounded in God's faithfulness: “be strong and courageous,” because the promise-keeper goes with you.
The hero verse is easy to overlook in a book of battles: Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who hid Israel's spies, is spared and grafted into Israel “to this day.” The conquest pauses to record that mercy reached across the enemy line — and the New Testament names her in the lineage of Christ.
24 Chapters
Be Strong and Courageous
God commissions Joshua to lead Israel into the land.
Rahab and the Spies
A Canaanite woman shelters the spies and asks for mercy.
Crossing the Jordan
The waters stand still as the people cross on dry ground.
Memorial Stones
Twelve stones set up so the children will ask, and remember.
The Commander of the LORD's Army
Circumcision, the first Passover in the land, and a holy encounter.
The Fall of Jericho — and Rahab Saved
Start HereThe walls collapse; the city is devoted to destruction — but Rahab and her household are saved alive, because she hid the messengers.
“Rahab... Joshua saved alive... because she hid the messengers.” — v.25
Achan's Sin
Hidden plunder brings defeat until it is exposed.
Ai Captured
A second assault, by ambush, succeeds.
The Gibeonite Deception
A neighboring people tricks Israel into a treaty.
The Sun Stands Still
God fights for Israel; the day is lengthened.
Northern Kings Defeated
The coalition of the north is broken.
Kings Conquered
A summary list of the defeated kings.
Land Yet to Be Possessed
Much remains; the eastern tribes' inheritance recorded.
Caleb's Inheritance
The faithful spy claims his mountain at eighty-five.
Judah's Allotment
The territory of the largest tribe.
Ephraim's Allotment
Joseph's line receives its portion.
Manasseh's Allotment
Land for the half-tribe west of the Jordan.
The Remaining Land Divided
Surveyed and apportioned at Shiloh.
Allotments Completed
The last tribes receive their inheritance.
Cities of Refuge
Places of safety for those who kill unintentionally.
Cities for the Levites
Towns set aside for the priestly tribe.
The Eastern Tribes' Altar
A misunderstanding over an altar nearly leads to war.
Joshua's Farewell
“Cling to the LORD your God.”
Covenant at Shechem
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”