A Biblical Theology of Joshua
1. Joshua as the Bridge Between Moses and the Promised Land
The book of Joshua continues the story of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, picking up where Deuteronomy left off. Moses had led Israel to the border of Canaan but was not permitted to enter. Joshua, whose name means “the Lord saves,” was appointed as Moses’ successor (Deut. 34:9; Josh. 1:1–9).
Joshua forms a bridge between the Pentateuch and the historical books. The covenant law of Deuteronomy is carried forward, while the conquest and settlement of the land set the stage for Judges and Kings. With Joshua, the promises made to the patriarchs about the land begin to be realized. The burial of Joseph’s bones at Shechem (Josh. 24:32) brings closure to Israel’s journey from Egypt and confirms God’s covenant faithfulness.
At the same time, Joshua points forward. His leadership, the gift of the land, the inclusion of outsiders like Rahab, and the renewal of the covenant all anticipate greater fulfillment in the Gospel and in the last days.
2. Holy War and the Ban
The conquest narratives—Jericho, Ai, the southern and northern coalitions—are central to Joshua’s story. These wars are described as holy wars, directed and empowered by God himself. At Jericho, the walls fell not by military strength but by God’s command (Josh. 6:20). At Ai, disobedience through Achan’s sin led to initial defeat, but once sin was judged, God gave victory (Josh. 7–8). Against the southern coalition, hailstones fell from heaven and the sun stood still at Joshua’s prayer (Josh. 10:10–14).
The “ban” (Hebrew herem)—the total destruction of enemies and their possessions—raises ethical questions. Why would a holy and just God command such devastation? In biblical theology, the answer lies in God’s holiness and patience. The sin of the Canaanites had reached its full measure (Gen. 15:16), and their destruction was an act of divine judgment. Yet even in judgment, mercy was extended: Rahab and her family were spared because of her faith in Israel’s God (Josh. 2:9–11; Heb. 11:31). The Gibeonites also survived by confessing God’s power, even through deception (Josh. 9).
The conquest, then, was not wanton cruelty but a unique event in redemptive history. It anticipated the final judgment when God will purge sin and establish his kingdom fully. At the same time, it foreshadowed the Gospel, where salvation is offered to those—whether Israelite or outsider—who trust in the Lord.
3. The Land as Covenant Inheritance
A dominant theme in Joshua is the gift of the land. God had promised Abraham, “To your offspring I will give this land” (Gen. 12:7). In Joshua, that promise is fulfilled as the land is divided among the tribes (Josh. 13–21).
Several aspects of the land theology stand out:
Inheritance – The land was not earned but given as a covenant gift (Josh. 11:23).
Holiness – The land was to be kept pure from idolatry and injustice (Josh. 23:6–8).
Stewardship – Cities of refuge (Josh. 20) and towns for Levites (Josh. 21) reminded Israel that the land ultimately belonged to God.
In the New Testament, the land finds its fulfillment in the greater inheritance secured by Christ. Believers are given an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Pet. 1:4). The land of Canaan was a shadow of the eternal rest promised in the new creation (Heb. 4:8–11). Joshua’s land theology thus contributes to the Bible’s broader eschatological hope.
4. Covenant Renewal and Faithfulness
Joshua emphasizes that possession of the land depended on covenant faithfulness. Early in the book, Israel renewed circumcision and celebrated the Passover as they entered the land (Josh. 5:1–12). After victories at Ai, Joshua built an altar and read the law at Mount Ebal, in direct obedience to Moses’ command (Josh. 8:30–35).
At the end of his life, Joshua again gathered the tribes to renew the covenant (Josh. 24). He reminded them of God’s faithfulness and warned them of the danger of idolatry: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). The people pledged loyalty, and a large stone was set up as witness (Josh. 24:26–27).
Theologically, this covenant renewal echoes the Deuteronomic pattern of blessing and curse. Obedience would bring life and peace; disobedience would bring judgment. In the Gospel, Paul interprets this dynamic Christologically: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Gal. 3:13). Joshua’s covenant mediation anticipates the new covenant inaugurated by Christ in his blood (Luke 22:20).
5. Joshua as God’s Servant and Christ-Figure
Joshua himself is a key theological figure. His name is the same as Jesus’ in Greek, meaning “the Lord saves.” Several aspects of his role foreshadow Christ:
Successor of Moses – As Moses’ successor, Joshua brought the people into the land (Josh. 1:1–9). Jesus, the greater Moses, brings his people into the true rest of God (Heb. 4:8–9).
Military Deliverer – Joshua led Israel in victories over their enemies (Josh. 6–11). Jesus conquers sin, death, and Satan through his cross and resurrection (Col. 2:15; Rev. 19–21).
Savior of Outsiders – Joshua spared Rahab because of her faith (Josh. 6:25). Jesus extends salvation to Gentiles, breaking down barriers between Jew and Greek (Eph. 2:11–13).
Covenant Mediator – Joshua renewed the covenant at Shechem (Josh. 24). Jesus mediates a new and better covenant, written on hearts by the Spirit (Heb. 8:6–13).
Joshua’s title at his death, “servant of the Lord” (Josh. 24:29), links him to Moses and anticipates the Servant of the Lord who fulfills God’s purposes perfectly in Christ.
6. Joshua and the Last Days
Joshua’s theology has profound eschatological dimensions. The conquest foreshadows the final judgment, while the gift of the land points to the ultimate inheritance of God’s people. The rest Israel experienced under Joshua was temporary; the ultimate rest awaits fulfillment in the last days (Heb. 4:9–11).
Rahab and the Gibeonites show that God’s covenant is open to all who trust in him, anticipating the inclusion of the nations in Christ. Just as Joshua warned Israel to remain faithful, so the church today is called to persevere, waiting for the return of Christ, the greater Joshua, who will bring his people into the fullness of the new creation.
Conclusion
The book of Joshua advances the Bible’s story of promise and fulfillment. It shows God’s faithfulness in giving Israel the land, his holiness in judging sin, and his mercy in including outsiders who trust him. Through Joshua, the people received an inheritance, renewed their covenant, and experienced rest.
Yet Joshua also points beyond himself. His leadership anticipates Christ, who brings a better salvation, a better covenant, and an eternal inheritance. The rest Joshua gave was partial and temporary; the rest Christ gives is final and everlasting. In the last days, all of God’s promises will be fulfilled in the true and greater Joshua, who leads his people into the new heavens and new earth.
