The Book of Joshua

The Book of Joshua tells the story of the Israelites after the death of Moses. Joshua is the new leader chosen by God. He takes the people into the land of Canaan. This land was promised to them many years earlier. The book shows how God keeps his promises and guides his people.

Joshua leads the people with courage and trust. The Israelites face many battles. They must fight to take the land. Joshua reminds them that they need to follow God’s law. When they listen and obey, they win. When they turn away, they struggle.

This book is full of action. It talks about the fall of Jericho, the crossing of the Jordan River, and many other events. But it is not just a story of war. It is about faith, choices, and staying true to God. Joshua teaches the people to choose God over idols.

The Book of Joshua is important for anyone learning about faith and leadership. It shows that God goes with his people wherever they are. It teaches that real strength comes from trusting God and doing what is right. Even when the path is hard, God does not leave his people.

The Book of Joshua was written long ago, after the people of Israel entered the land of Canaan. This was the land God had promised to Abraham. The story takes place after Moses died. Joshua became the new leader and led the people into this new land.

No one knows exactly who wrote the book. Some think it was written by people close to Joshua. Others believe it was written later by people who were remembering the stories. Either way, the book was written to help the people remember what God had done for them.

The events in the book happened during a time of change. The Israelites were moving from wandering in the desert to living in a new home. They had no king yet. They were learning how to live as God’s people in this land. It was a time of battles, choices, and new beginnings.

This book helped the people remember where they came from and who helped them. It taught them to trust God and to stay faithful. Even today, it helps us see how faith can guide us when we face hard things.

The Book of Joshua reads like a story. It tells what happened in a clear and simple way. There are battles, travels, and big moments. It feels like an adventure. The people face many challenges, and we see how they respond. It is easy to follow, even with all the names and places.

The book also includes speeches. Joshua speaks to the people more than once. He reminds them to stay close to God. He tells them to follow God’s law and not worship false gods. These speeches help us understand what mattered most during that time.

There are also parts that feel like a list. These sections name the cities and lands given to each tribe. It may seem slow to read, but it shows that God kept his promise. Every tribe got a home in the land.

This book mixes action with teaching. It helps the reader understand both what happened and why it matters. It’s a good mix of story and message.

The Book of Joshua teaches many lessons. Some of these connect closely with Catholic beliefs. These themes help us live our faith today.

• God keeps His promises
  God promised Abraham that his family would have a land of their own. In Joshua, we see that promise fulfilled. This reminds us that God is faithful, even if it takes time.
• Faith takes action
  The people had to trust God and move forward, even when afraid. Crossing the Jordan and marching around Jericho took courage. Catholics believe that faith should lead us to act with trust, even when we don’t understand everything.
• God fights for His people
  The battles in Joshua show that the people didn’t win by strength alone. God helped them. Catholics believe we are never alone in struggles. God helps us in spiritual battles too.
• Obedience matters
  When the people listened to God, things went well. When they disobeyed, there was trouble. Catholic teaching also says we must choose what is right, even when it’s hard.
• Make a choice
  At the end of the book, Joshua tells the people to choose who they will serve. This is still true today. Catholics believe we must decide daily to follow God, not other things.

These themes make the Book of Joshua more than a history book. They help guide how we live and trust God today.

The Book of Joshua is easy to follow once you know how it is organized. It has four main parts. Each one tells a different part of the story.

• Entering the land (Joshua 1:1–5:12)
  This part starts with God telling Joshua to be strong and lead the people. They cross the Jordan River and step into the land of Canaan.
• Conquering the land (Joshua 5:13–12:24)
  Here we read about battles, like the fall of Jericho. The people fight many groups and win with God’s help. This section ends by listing the kings they defeated.
• Dividing the land (Joshua 13:1–21:45)
  The land is given to the twelve tribes. Each tribe gets its own area. Cities of refuge and homes for the Levites are also set up.
• Staying faithful in the land (Joshua 22:1–24:33)
  Joshua gives his final words. He reminds the people to follow God. He tells them to make a choice to serve God alone. Joshua dies at the end of the book.

These parts help us see the journey from wandering in the desert to living in the promised land. Each step shows how God was with His people.

The Book of Joshua still speaks to us now. Even though the world has changed, many of the lessons stay the same.

We all face challenges. Sometimes we feel like we are standing at the edge of something scary, like the Israelites at the Jordan River. Joshua shows us that with faith and courage, we can take the next step.

We also have to make choices. Joshua asked the people to choose whom they would serve. We face the same question. Will we follow God, or will we let other things lead us?

The book also reminds us to remember what God has done. Just like the people built stones to mark where God helped them, we should stop and give thanks too. God is still with us, helping us move forward, one step at a time.

The Book of Joshua is not read often at Mass, but it does appear in the lectionary. When it is read, the message is clear—trust God, follow Him, and make good choices.

One well-known reading comes from Joshua 24:1-2, 15-17, 18. In this reading, Joshua tells the people to decide whom they will serve. The people say they will serve the Lord, who brought them out of slavery. This reading reminds us to choose God every day.

Another reading comes from Joshua 3:7-10, 11, 13-17. This passage tells about the crossing of the Jordan River. It shows that God went ahead of the people and made a way for them.

Though not often read at Mass, these passages still teach big lessons. They help us remember that God keeps His word and walks with us always.

4th Sunday of Lent Year C

A New Beginning in the Promised Land

In Joshua 5:9A, 10-12, the people of Israel are finally in the land God promised them. They celebrate Passover in their new home, remembering how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt. This is their first Passover in Canaan, and it marks a fresh start for them.

After the feast, something changes. The manna, which God had given them in the desert, stops. Now they eat food from the land itself. This shows they are no longer wanderers. They are home. God has kept His promise, and the people begin a new life in the land they were waiting for.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Choose Whom You Will Serve

In Joshua 24:1-2A, 15-17, 18B, Joshua gathers the people of Israel and reminds them of all that God has done. He tells them they must choose. Will they serve the Lord who brought them out of slavery, or will they turn to other gods?

The people answer clearly. They say they will serve the Lord. They remember how God protected them and gave them a new home. Joshua calls them to stay true, not just in words, but in the way they live. This is a moment of decision, and the people choose to follow God.

Selections from the Book of Joshua are also read at weekday Masses.

• Thursday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time I – Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17: Crossing the Jordan
• Friday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time – Joshua 24:1-13: Joshua’s Address to Israel
• Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time I – Joshua 24:14-29: Joshua’s Final Covenant

Be Strong and of Good Courage

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Joshua chapters 1 through 4. He says this is a new chapter for God’s people. Moses has died, and Joshua is now their leader. God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Fr. Mike says these words are repeated many times because both Joshua and the people need to hear them.

Fr. Mike explains that Joshua is stepping into a big role. He reminds us that God promises to be with Joshua just like He was with Moses. This gives Joshua the strength he needs. Fr. Mike says we can also be strong and brave when we remember that God is with us too.

As the people cross the Jordan River, Fr. Mike points out how God stops the water, just like He did with the Red Sea. This is a sign of His power. The people take twelve stones from the river as a reminder.

Fr. Mike encourages us to write down what God does in our lives, like those stones. These reminders help us trust Him when things are hard.

A New Beginning and a Costly Mistake

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Joshua chapters 5 through 7. He explains that God asked Joshua to circumcise the new generation. This showed they were truly entering a new life with God. It was a sign of trust, even though it left them physically weak for a time.

Fr. Mike also talks about the fall of Jericho. He reminds us that the people followed God’s unusual plan, and the walls came down. Rahab was saved, just as the spies had promised. Fr. Mike says this shows how God works in ways we don’t always expect.

Then he speaks about the angel who told Joshua, “No,” when asked whose side he was on. Fr. Mike says this teaches us to ask if we are on God’s side, not if He is on ours. The battle is not just physical. It’s part of a greater spiritual struggle.

Last, Fr. Mike reflects on Achan’s sin. He says it brought pain to many, not just Achan. But God can take even our lowest moments and bring hope.

Battles, Mistakes, and a Surprising Welcome

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares thoughts on Joshua chapters 8 and 9. He explains how Joshua uses a smart ambush to win the battle of Ai. The people pretend to flee, then the hidden troops enter the city and take it. This shows Joshua learning from the past and trusting God’s plan.

Fr. Mike points out that after the victory, Joshua builds an altar and reads the law. He brings the whole community together, including children and foreigners. It’s a moment of worship and unity after the battle.

In chapter 9, the Gibeonites trick Joshua. They pretend to be travelers from far away. Fr. Mike highlights that Joshua and the leaders fail to ask God for guidance. They make a covenant without checking first. Even so, they choose to honor it.

Fr. Mike ends by saying the Gibeonites become part of God’s people. Though they came in through trickery, God still used their story. Fr. Mike says this gives hope to all of us who come to God with mixed motives.

Miracles, War, and a Promise of Peace

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Joshua chapters 10 and 11. He explains the story of the sun standing still. Fr. Mike says some see this as a miracle, while others view it as poetic language. He reminds us that good faith and good science both seek truth and do not have to conflict.

Fr. Mike compares the sun miracle to what happened at Fatima in 1917. Many people saw the sun move, even those who didn’t believe. He says this shows that God can work in ways that surprise us, even if they don’t follow natural rules.

He also reminds us that God’s original plan was peace, not war. The battles in Joshua were not what God wanted from the beginning. War came because of human sin and brokenness.

At the end of Joshua 11, the land rests from war. Fr. Mike says this shows what God really wants for us—peace in our hearts, peace with each other, and peace with Him.

Why the Battles in Joshua Still Matter

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Joshua chapters 12, 13, and 14. He explains that the long list of defeated kings in chapter 12 shows how much ground God helped Israel gain. Each victory was part of God’s plan to give His people a home.

Fr. Mike says that the war in Joshua was not what God wanted in the beginning. God wanted peace and unity. But because of the people’s weakness, He allowed war for a time. He also says that the Canaanites were judged for deep sin, including child sacrifice.

He explains that the command to destroy everything may sound harsh, but it was likely exaggerated language. Fr. Mike points out that later chapters show many of these people were still around. So the “total destruction” was probably not meant to be taken literally.

Fr. Mike ends by saying God’s real plan is unity. God wants peace between people and with Himself. The story of Joshua is part of that bigger goal.

Joshua’s Map and Mission

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks us through Joshua chapters 15 to 18. He reminds us that these chapters may feel like a list of names and borders, but they show how real the story is. This was a real land, given to real people, at a real time in history.

Fr. Mike points out how helpful it is to follow along with a map. It helps us see that the land of Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin wasn’t just words—it was a home. Each tribe received their part of God’s promise.

He says this reminds us that Christianity is grounded in history. It’s not just a bunch of ideas. God works in real places and with real people. Just like He worked with the people of Israel, He works in our lives now.

Even when the reading feels dry, Fr. Mike encourages us to keep going. God is still with us, guiding us, just like He guided Joshua and the tribes.

God Keeps His Promises

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads Joshua chapters 19, 20, and 21. He reminds us that the long list of names and cities can be tiring, but it shows something important—God is faithful. Each tribe got the land that was promised.

Fr. Mike points out the last lines of Joshua 21. He says they help explain why we read all these details. God gave the people rest, just like He said He would. Not one promise failed. Everything came to pass.

He says this didn’t happen all at once. It took generations. God’s people had to trust Him, fight battles, and keep going. But through it all, God stayed true to His word.

Fr. Mike encourages us to trust that God is still faithful today. Even if the promise takes time, or comes through struggle, God does not forget. Like the people in Joshua, we are called to keep going and stay close to Him.

Choose This Day: Joshua’s Final Call

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the final chapters of Joshua—chapters 22, 23, and 24. He talks about how Joshua’s last words are both a challenge and a reminder. Joshua knows the people will likely struggle to stay faithful, but he also knows that God never fails in his promises.

Fr. Mike points out how Joshua calls the people to choose whom they will serve. This moment is not about nice words for a decoration. It’s a real choice that each person must make. Joshua’s own words—”as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”—are meant to be lived, not just displayed.

He also reminds us that we often delay choosing God. We keep idols in our lives, whether that’s money, comfort, or control. Fr. Mike says it’s time to stop pretending and really decide who we belong to.

Through Joshua’s farewell, Fr. Mike encourages us to be faithful and to trust in God’s steady love.

The Bible

The Bible is a big part of our faith. It teaches us who God is and how to live. If you want to understand the Bible better, it helps to start with simple steps. You don’t have to know everything. Just begin reading and learning little by little.

This resource from Young Catholics is a great place to start: Understanding the Bible. It gives tips on how to read the Bible and where to begin. It’s made for teens, but it works for anyone who wants to grow in faith.

Who was Joshua?

Joshua was the leader of the Israelites after Moses died. He led them into the land of Canaan. He trusted God and helped the people follow Him.

Why is the Book of Joshua important?

It shows how God kept His promise to give the land to His people. It teaches us to trust God, follow His commands, and stay faithful.

Does the Catholic Church believe Joshua really happened?

Yes, the Church teaches that the events in Joshua are part of salvation history. Some parts may use story-like ways to explain the truth, but the lessons are real and important.

Why are there so many battles in the book?

The battles show the struggle to enter the promised land. They also remind us that following God is not always easy. We must stay strong and trust Him.

How can I learn more about Joshua?

Read the book slowly, a little at a time. Pray before and after reading. You can also talk to a priest, catechist, or youth leader for help.

The Book of Joshua tells the story of the Israelites as they enter the land God promised them. Joshua becomes the leader after Moses dies. He helps the people cross the Jordan River and begin a new life in Canaan. With God’s help, they win battles and take over many cities.

One of the most well-known parts of the book is the fall of Jericho. The people march around the city walls, trusting God’s plan. The walls come down without a fight. This shows that God was leading the way, not just the people.

Later, Joshua gives the land to each of the twelve tribes. He also reminds them to follow God’s law. He warns them not to worship other gods. At the end, he asks them to choose whom they will serve. The people say they will stay faithful to the Lord.

Joshua teaches us to be brave, to trust God, and to make good choices. It is a book filled with action, but also full of lessons for how to live with faith.

Have you read the Book of Joshua? It’s full of strong messages about trust, courage, and following God. If you’ve never read it, this is a good time to start. Begin with chapter one and take your time.

Once you’ve read it, share your thoughts. What part stood out to you? Did anything surprise you? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear your experience.