Chapters of the Bible

Joshua organizes the remaining seven tribes to send out men to survey the remaining land. The land is then divided by casting lots before the Lord at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle rests.

This chapter details the territorial boundaries assigned to the remaining six tribes: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, completing the division of the Promised Land.

Joshua designates six Cities of Refuge on both sides of the Jordan River, ensuring that anyone who accidentally kills someone has a protected sanctuary until their trial.

Joshua fulfills Moses's command by assigning the 48 cities and their surrounding pasturelands to the tribe of Levi throughout the territories of the other tribes.

Joshua dismisses the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, half Manasseh) to their homes across the Jordan. They build a large altar by the Jordan, causing a near civil war until their peaceful intentions are explained.

Aging Joshua delivers his farewell address to the leaders of Israel, urging them to be strong and courageous, cleave to the Lord, and never intermarry with the remaining pagan nations.

Joshua assembles all the tribes at Shechem and recounts their history of God's faithfulness. Joshua challenges them: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." The people vow to serve the Lord.

After Joshua’s death, the tribes begin conquering their territories but fail to completely drive out the Canaanites, leading to partial obedience. Judah and Simeon achieve early success in the south.

An Angel of the Lord rebukes Israel for failing to destroy the pagan altars. God declares He will no longer drive out the remaining nations, who will remain as a snare to Israel.

The cycle of the Book of Judges begins: Israel sins, God sends an oppressor, Israel cries out, and God raises a Judge to deliver them. The first judges are Othniel and Ehud.

The cycle continues as King Jabin oppresses Israel. God raises the prophetess Deborah and the military leader Barak. The enemy general Sisera is killed by a woman, Jael, with a tent peg.

Deborah and Barak sing a powerful, poetic Song of Triumph celebrating God's miraculous victory over the Canaanites, where even the stars and storm fought against the enemy.