The Book of Joshua: Background and Introduction

The first five books of the Old Testament are the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Book of Joshua is the sixth. The Hebrew name for the book is “ספר יהושע,” and its English name, “Joshua,” comes from the Greek name “Jesus Ἰησοῦς” in the Septuagint.

This book records the history of Moses’ successor, Joshua, leading the Israelites across the Jordan River, conquering Canaan, and dividing the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel. It covers the period from 1407 BC, when Joshua was 80 years old and led the Israelites into Canaan, until his death at the age of 110.

“Joshua” (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ) was originally named Hoshea (meaning “salvation”). He was born during the height of Israel’s slavery in Egypt, and his name represented the cries and hopes of his parents. Moses later renamed him Joshua (which is “Jesus” in Greek), most likely to emphasize the source of salvation. This name aptly demonstrates that while Joshua was the leader of the people, the true commander of the army was the Lord. While it was Moses who delivered the law, it is Jesus Christ who “brings many sons and daughters to glory” (Hebrews 2:10).

God is an unchanging God. The message He intended for the original readers of this book is the same message He has for all people who find themselves in similar difficulties. Just as the faithful and covenant-keeping God led the Israelites into Canaan in the past, He will also lead us into His rest today: “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:8-9). Therefore, what we must do today is the same as what the Israelites did: be “strong and courageous.” By faith, we must follow the second Joshua—the Lord Jesus—in fighting and conquering, and “make every effort to enter” the true rest that God has promised. We must also “live by the Spirit,” keep the covenant, and never stray from the God who leads us into that rest.

(Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version Bible and the David Pawson Old Testament Survey series)