Joshua: be strong and courageous
After forty years in the desert, Israel finally enters the promise. The book of Joshua tells that conquest: the Jordan crossed on dry ground, Jericho fallen without a siege, the land divided among the tribes. It opens with the command repeated three times that has carried generations: "be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6-9).
Its conclusion is a faithfulness report: of all the good words the Lord had spoken, "all came to pass" (Joshua 21:45) — and a choice to make: "choose you this day whom you will serve" (24:15). A book for the seasons when God calls you forward.
Frequently asked questions about Joshua
Who was Joshua?
Moses' aide and successor, one of only two confident spies among the twelve sent into Canaan. His Hebrew name, Yehoshua ("the Lord saves"), is the name Jesus would bear.
What happened at Jericho?
The fortified city fell without an assault: seven days of silent marching around the walls, then a shout of faith (Joshua 6). The lesson: God's victories are won by obedience before strength.
What is the key verse of Joshua?
Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." One of the most memorized verses in the whole Bible.