Joshua's Journey Map

Journey Timeline

1. Born in Egyptc. 1500 BC

   Egypt

   Joshua is born in Egypt during Israel's slavery. His original name, Hoshea ('salvation'), would later be changed by Moses to Joshua ('Yahweh is salvation'). He grows up witnessing Israel's bondage and God's deliverance.

   NUM 13:8, 16

2. Battle Against Amalekc. 1446 BC

   The Wilderness

   Shortly after the Exodus, Joshua leads Israel's first military campaign against the Amalekites at Rephidim. While Moses holds up his hands with Aaron and Hur's help, Joshua defeats the enemy in battle.

   EXO 17:8-16

3. Moses' Assistant on Sinaic. 1446 BC

   Mount Sinai

   Joshua accompanies Moses partway up Mount Sinai when Moses receives the Law. He waits on the mountain for forty days while Moses meets with God. He is the first to hear the noise of the golden calf revelry.

   EXO 24:13; 32:17

4. Guarding the Tent of Meetingc. 1445 BC

   The Wilderness

   Joshua serves as Moses' young aide and does not leave the Tent of Meeting. He shows zeal for Moses when others prophesy in the camp, though Moses gently corrects his jealousy.

   EXO 33:11; NUM 11:28-29

5. Spying Out Canaanc. 1445 BC

   The Wilderness

   Joshua is one of twelve spies sent to explore Canaan. Only he and Caleb bring back a faithful report, urging Israel to trust God and take the land. The people's fear leads to forty years of wandering.

   NUM 13-14

6. Commissioned as Moses' Successorc. 1406 BC

   The Wilderness

   Moses lays hands on Joshua before the priest and the congregation, commissioning him as Israel's new leader. God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising to be with him as He was with Moses.

   NUM 27:18-23; DEU 31:7-8

7. Crossing the Jordanc. 1406 BC

   Jordan River

   Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan River at flood stage. When the priests carrying the ark step into the water, the river stops flowing. All Israel crosses on dry ground, just as they had crossed the Red Sea.

   JOS 3:1-17

8. Fall of Jerichoc. 1406 BC

   Jericho

   Following God's unusual battle plan, Israel marches around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, after seven circuits and the priests' trumpets sound, the people shout and the walls collapse.

   JOS 6:1-27

9. Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sinc. 1406 BC

   Canaan

   Israel suffers defeat at Ai because Achan took forbidden items from Jericho. After purging the sin, Joshua uses military strategy to conquer Ai, setting an ambush that draws out the city's defenders.

   JOS 7-8

10. Conquest of Canaanc. 1406-1399 BC

    Canaan

    Joshua leads campaigns against the southern and northern Canaanite coalitions. The sun stands still at Gibeon to give Israel victory. Joshua conquers thirty-one kings and distributes the land among the tribes.

    JOS 9-21

11. Covenant Renewal at Shechemc. 1380 BC

    Canaan

    In his farewell addresses, Joshua challenges Israel to choose whom they will serve. He declares, 'As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.' The people renew their covenant commitment.

    JOS 23-24

12. Death at 110 Yearsc. 1380 BC

    Canaan

    Joshua dies at the age of 110, described as 'the servant of the Lord.' He is buried at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. Israel served the Lord throughout Joshua's lifetime and the elders who outlived him.

    JOS 24:29-31