Old Testament · 24 chapters
Read Joshua.
Joshua recounts Israel’s entry into Canaan, the division of the land, and the renewal of the covenant. It connects the gift of the land with the call to faithfulness, while describing warfare in Israel’s ancient setting.
Choose a chapter Joshua · 24 chapters
Read a chapter. Find its meaning.
Choose a chapter for the complete Bible text and a short summary to guide your reading.
Chapter 1.
God commissions Joshua to lead Israel into the land and urges courage rooted in obedience. The tribes east of the Jordan reaffirm their commitment to help.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 2.
Joshua sends spies to Jericho, where Rahab shelters them and asks for protection. Their report emphasizes the fear Israel’s approach has created.
Read chapter 17 versesChapter 3.
Israel crosses the Jordan on dry ground as the priests carry the ark ahead. The crossing confirms Joshua’s leadership and God’s presence with the people.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 4.
Twelve stones are taken from the Jordan as a memorial for future generations. The crossing is to be remembered as an act of God’s power.
Read chapter 15 versesChapter 5.
The new generation is circumcised, Passover is observed, and the manna ceases. Joshua then encounters the commander of the Lord’s army near Jericho.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 6.
Israel follows God’s instructions to march around Jericho, and the walls fall. Rahab’s household is spared, while the city is placed under destruction.
Read chapterChapter 7.
Israel’s defeat at Ai exposes Achan’s taking of forbidden spoil from Jericho. The community confronts the hidden breach of covenant.
Read chapter 35 versesChapter 8.
Joshua takes Ai through an ambush following God’s instructions. Israel then gathers at Mount Ebal for an altar, sacrifice, and public reading of the law.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 9.
The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a peace agreement. Israel honors the oath but assigns them service connected with the sanctuary.
Read chapter 43 versesChapter 10.
Joshua defends Gibeon against a coalition of kings, and a remarkable day of battle brings victory. The campaign continues through southern Canaan.
Read chapter 23 versesChapter 11.
A northern coalition gathers against Israel, but Joshua defeats it and takes Hazor. The chapter summarizes the extended campaigns and the land’s rest from war.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 12.
The kings defeated east and west of the Jordan are listed. The record gathers the earlier campaigns into a summary of the territory conquered.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 13.
God identifies land still to be possessed, and the eastern tribal inheritances are reviewed. The Levites’ inheritance is distinguished from territorial allotments.
Read chapter 15 versesChapter 14.
The division of western land begins, and Caleb asks for Hebron based on the promise made to him. His request reflects enduring trust after decades of waiting.
Read chapter 63 versesChapter 15.
Judah’s boundaries and cities are recorded, including Caleb’s capture of Hebron and his daughter’s request for springs. Jerusalem remains incompletely possessed.
Read chapter 10 versesChapter 16.
The inheritance of Joseph’s descendants is described, focusing on Ephraim. The chapter notes a remaining Canaanite population within the allotted territory.
Read chapter 18 versesChapter 17.
Manasseh receives its allotment, including the inheritance of Zelophehad’s daughters. Joseph’s descendants ask for more land and are challenged to clear and possess it.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 18.
The tabernacle is established at Shiloh, and the remaining land is surveyed for distribution. Benjamin’s boundaries and towns are then listed.
Read chapter 51 versesChapter 19.
The remaining tribes receive their allotments, and Joshua is given his inheritance. The distribution of land concludes before the Lord at Shiloh.
Read chapter 9 versesChapter 20.
Cities of refuge are appointed for people responsible for accidental killing. The arrangement provides protection while preserving the need for a public hearing.
Read chapter 45 versesChapter 21.
Cities and pasturelands are assigned to the Levites throughout the tribal territories. The chapter closes by affirming the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 22.
The eastern tribes return home and build a large altar, alarming the other tribes. Explanation prevents conflict when its purpose is clarified as a witness of shared belonging.
Read chapter 16 versesChapter 23.
Joshua addresses Israel’s leaders near the end of his life. He recalls God’s faithfulness and warns against turning toward the remaining nations’ gods.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 24.
Joshua recounts Israel’s history and calls the people to choose whom they will serve. The covenant is renewed, and the book closes with deaths and burials.
Read chapterKing James Version (KJV). Bible text supplied by eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society. Summaries are written with AI assistance and are separate from Scripture. Read the chapter itself when considering its meaning.