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Joshua Facts & Worksheets

The story of Joshua in the Bible is a significant account in the Old Testament. Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land of Canaan. The narrative of Joshua is primarily found in the Book of Joshua.

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The story of Joshua in the Bible is a significant account in the Old Testament. Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land of Canaan. The narrative of Joshua is primarily found in the Book of Joshua.

See the fact file below for more information on Joshua, or you can download our 24-page Joshua worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE OF JOSHUA

  • Joshua’s name originally was Hoshea, which means “salvation.” He was born into the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His father’s name was Nun (Numbers 11:28), and his family lineage can be traced back to Joseph, the son of Jacob.
  • Joshua first appears in the Bible as a young man chosen by Moses to be his assistant and servant. He was among the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan before the Israelites’ entry (Numbers 13).
  • Alongside Caleb, Joshua was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report, expressing faith in God’s promise to give them the land.
  • After their return, the Israelites rebelled against God and doubted His ability to bring them into the Promised Land. 
  • As a result, God sentenced them to wander in the wilderness for forty years until that generation died off, with Joshua and Caleb being the exceptions. They were the only ones from the older generation allowed to enter Canaan.
  • During the wilderness years, Joshua served as Moses’ loyal and trusted assistant. He witnessed the miracles and received teachings from Moses, learning firsthand about the faithfulness and power of God.

JOSHUA ASSUMES LEADERSHIP

  • After Moses died, Joshua assumed leadership and received instructions from God to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites. The first major challenge he faced was crossing the Jordan River. God parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land, similar to the miracle of the Red Sea during Moses’ time.
  • Once in the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to gather information about the city of Jericho. The spies were helped by a woman named Rahab, who hid them from the king’s men. In return for her assistance, they promised to spare her and her family when they invaded the city.
  • Following God’s instructions, Joshua commanded the Israelite army to march around the walls of Jericho for six days. On the seventh day, they circled the city seven times, blew trumpets, and shouted. Miraculously, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites conquered the city.
  • Joshua led the Israelites in a series of military campaigns, capturing numerous cities in Canaan. One significant battle was against the Amorite kings in the south. 
  • During the fight, Joshua requested the sun and moon to stand still, and God miraculously granted his request, prolonging daylight to secure victory.
  • As the conquest continued, Joshua divided the land among the twelve tribes of Israel, ensuring that each tribe received their allotted inheritance. 
  • Joshua also renewed the covenant between God and the Israelites, urging them to remain faithful and obey God’s commandments.
  • In the later stages of Joshua’s life, he addressed the people, exhorting them to serve the Lord faithfully. He emphasized the importance of putting away foreign gods and remaining committed to God alone. 
  • Joshua died at the age of 110, and the Israelites buried him in the land of his inheritance at Timnath-Serah, found in the hill country of the Tribe of Ephraim, north of Gaash mountain. (Joshua 24:30).

JOSHUA’S RELEVANCE TO CHRISTIANITY

  • Leadership and Obedience: Joshua’s unwavering faith and obedience to God’s commands serve as an example for Christians. 
  • His leadership qualities, such as courage, trust in God, and commitment to following His instructions, inspire believers to emulate these traits in their own lives.
  • Conquest of the Promised Land: The conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Israelites. 
  • Foreshadowing Christ: Joshua’s name, “Yehoshua” in Hebrew, is similar to the name “Yeshua” (Jesus). This connection symbolizes Jesus as the ultimate deliverer and leader who brings salvation and leads His people into the ultimate Promised Land of eternal life.
  • Rahab’s Redemption: The story of Rahab, the prostitute who aided the Israelite spies, foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. 
  • Rahab’s faith and her willingness to align herself with God’s people resulted in her rescue from destruction. Similarly, Christians see in Rahab’s story a reminder of God’s grace, mercy, and the transformative power of faith.
  • Renewal of the Covenant: Joshua’s renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God’s commands. 
  • Christians, too, understand the significance of living in a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, accepting His teachings, and following His example.
  • Overall, Joshua’s relevance to Christianity lies in his leadership, faithfulness, and the spiritual lessons his story imparts. His example inspires believers to trust in God, follow His commands, and experience the victory and blessings that come through faith in Christ.

JOSHUA IN OTHER LITERATURE

  • “Joshua” by Joseph F. Girzone: This is a series of novels written by Joseph F. Girzone, featuring a fictional modern-day character named Joshua, who shares similarities with the biblical Joshua. The books explore themes of spirituality, faith, and the impact of a Christ-like figure in contemporary society.
  • “The Joshua Files” by M.G. Harris: This is a series of young adult adventure novels by M.G. Harris. The books follow the adventures of a teenage boy named Josh Garcia, who discovers a secret history of his family connected to the biblical Joshua and embarks on thrilling quests around the world.
  • “Joshua” by Howard Fast: This novel by Howard Fast is a fictional retelling of the biblical story of Joshua. It delves into Joshua’s personal struggles and experiences as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.
  • References in poetry and literature: Joshua is occasionally referenced in various poems and literary works. Authors and poets sometimes draw inspiration from Joshua’s leadership, courage, and faith, incorporating these qualities into their own narratives or using them as symbols of strength and determination.

Joshua Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Biblical figure Joshua across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Joshua. Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land of Canaan.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Joshua (Bible) Facts
  2. Building a Character
  3. Crossing the Jordan River
  4. The Fall of Jericho
  5. The Gibeonite Deception
  6. The Sun Stands Still
  7. Joshua’s Messages
  8. Leadership Qualities
  9. Leadership Styles
  10. Think Like a Leader
  11. The New Joshua

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Joshua in the Bible?

Joshua was a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). He succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites and led them into the Promised Land of Canaan. Joshua is known for his military leadership and his role in the conquest of Jericho.

What is the significance of Joshua’s leadership?

Joshua’s leadership was crucial in the Israelites’ journey from the wilderness to the land of Canaan. He guided the Israelites through various military campaigns to conquer the land, as commanded by God. Joshua’s faith and obedience played a central role in the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Israelites.

What major event is associated with Joshua in the Bible?

The most well-known event associated with Joshua is the Battle of Jericho. According to the biblical account, Joshua and the Israelites, following God’s instructions, marched around the city of Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapsed after the Israelites blew their trumpets, allowing them to conquer the city.

What book in the Bible is dedicated to Joshua’s story?

The book of Joshua in the Old Testament is dedicated to documenting Joshua’s leadership and the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. It provides an account of their military campaigns, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, and Joshua’s final words and farewell to the people before his death.

What was Joshua’s final exhortation to the Israelites?

Before his death, Joshua delivered a farewell address to the Israelites, emphasizing their need to remain faithful to God and to obey His commandments. He urged them to choose whom they would serve, either the Lord or foreign gods, but declared that he and his household would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). This statement has become a famous declaration of commitment to God among believers.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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