10 Interesting Facts About the Book of Joshua

The Book of Joshua is a powerful record of God’s faithfulness as the Israelites enter the Promised Land. It follows the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua and shows how God keeps His promises. Here are ten interesting facts about this important book of the Bible.

1. Joshua Was Moses’ Successor

Joshua was chosen by God to lead Israel after Moses’ death. God reassured him to be strong and courageous as he stepped into this huge responsibility.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9

2. The Jordan River Was Miraculously Parted

Just as the Red Sea was parted for Moses, God parted the Jordan River for Joshua so the Israelites could cross on dry ground into Canaan.

The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. — Joshua 3:17

3. The Walls of Jericho Fell Without a Battle

One of the most famous events in Joshua is the fall of Jericho. The Israelites marched around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls fell by God’s power.

When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. — Joshua 6:20

4. Joshua’s Name Means “The Lord is Salvation”

Joshua’s Hebrew name, Yehoshua, means “The Lord saves” or “The Lord is salvation.” This is the same root as the name Jesus in Greek.

5. Rahab’s Faith Saved Her Family

Rahab, a Canaanite woman, hid the Israelite spies in Jericho. Her faith in God spared her and her family from destruction.

But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day. — Joshua 6:25

6. The Sun Stood Still

During a battle against the Amorites, Joshua prayed, and God made the sun stand still so Israel could win the fight.

So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies... — Joshua 10:13

7. Joshua Divided the Land Among the Tribes

After many victories, Joshua assigned the Promised Land to each of the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.

So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. — Joshua 21:43

8. Covenant Renewal at Shechem

At the end of his life, Joshua gathered the people at Shechem to renew their covenant with God, urging them to serve the Lord faithfully.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. — Joshua 24:15

9. Joshua Lived to 110 Years Old

Joshua’s life was long and full of God’s guidance. He faithfully led Israel until his death at 110 years old.

After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. — Joshua 24:29

10. The Book Highlights God’s Faithfulness

From the crossing of the Jordan to the conquest of Canaan, Joshua shows that God always fulfills His promises.

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. — Joshua 23:14

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