Book of Joshua facts for kids

The Book of Joshua is an exciting book in the Christian Bible. It is also found in the Hebrew Tanakh. This book tells the story of the Israelite people after their great leader, Moses, passed away. Most Jewish traditions believe that Joshua, the son of Nun, wrote this book himself. It's the first book in the Tanakh that covers the history of Israel from when they entered the Promised Land until they were taken captive in Babylon.

We don't know exactly when the Book of Joshua was written. The events it describes happened around 1200 BC. So, it couldn't have been written before that time. Some experts think it was written much later, perhaps around 550 BC. This was during the time of the Babylonian exile, when people wanted to remember and share their history.

What is the Book of Joshua About?

Joshua Becomes the New Leader

After Moses died, God chose Joshua to lead the people of Israel. Joshua was a strong and faithful leader. His first big task was to prepare the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.

Spies and Rahab

Joshua sent two spies to check out the city of Jericho. A woman named Rahab lived there. She bravely hid the two spies when enemies came looking for them. Rahab told the enemies that the spies had already left. She hid them safely on her roof, under some stalks of flax. The spies later promised Rahab that they would protect her and her family. They would keep the promise Joshua made to them.

The Fall of Jericho

The city of Jericho was very strong. But God had a special plan for its capture. The people of Israel, following God's instructions, marched around Jericho's walls. They did this seven times. On the seventh time, they blew their ram's horns. Then, everyone shouted with a great shout! The mighty walls of Jericho came tumbling down.

Joshua told the spies to go to Rahab's house. They were to bring out her family and all their belongings. The spies did exactly as they were told. They kept their promise to Rahab. Joshua saved Rahab's life, and she came to live among the people of Israel.

The Trick of Gibeon

Later, God told Joshua to attack the city of Ai. After they did this, the people of Gibeon played a trick on Joshua. They pretended to be from a far-off land. This made Joshua and the Israelites make a peace treaty with them.

However, three days later, the Israelites found out the truth. The Gibeonites were actually their close neighbors, the Hivites! Because they had tricked Joshua, the Hivites were cursed. But the people of Gibeon promised to do whatever the Israelites asked.

The Sun Stands Still

After making peace with the Hivites, some kings attacked Gibeon. The Gibeonites sent a message to Joshua asking for help. So, Joshua and his army went to save them. God helped the Israelites in a powerful way. He killed many of their enemies, the Amorites, by sending large hailstones.

Then, something amazing happened. Joshua asked God to make the sun stand still over Gibeon. He also asked for the moon to stay over Ajalon. And God did it! The sun stayed in the sky for a whole day. This gave the Israelites enough time to win the battle.

Joshua's Later Life and Death

Joshua led the Israelites for many years. He helped them settle in the Promised Land. He divided the land among the different tribes of Israel. Joshua became very old. He reminded the people to always serve God. After a long and faithful life, Joshua died.

Important Sayings from Joshua

Here are some famous quotes from the Book of Joshua:

• "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so too I will be with you; I will not fail you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5)
• "Decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshipped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are now living. As for my family and me, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

Images for kids

• 

  Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan (Gustave Doré)

• 

  The Ark Passes Over the Jordan (watercolor c. 1896–1902 by James Tissot)

• 

  Map of the Holy Land, Pietro Vesconte, 1321, showing the allotments of the tribes of Israel. Described by Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld as "the first non-Ptolemaic map of a definite country."

• 

  1759 map of the tribal allotments of Israel

• 

  The Taking of Jericho (Jean Fouquet, c.1452–1460)

• 

  "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon" (sculpture by Shmuel Bar-Even)

• 

  Washington Manuscript I, a Greek manuscript featuring the end of Deuteronomy and beginning of Joshua

• 

  Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gideon (John Martin)

• 

  The Taking of Jericho (watercolor c. 1896–1902 by James Tissot)

See also

In Spanish: Libro de Josué para niños