In this episode of Reading Through the Bible Together, we’re reading Joshua 1–8, where the promise God made to Abraham finally begins to take visible shape.

Joshua steps into leadership after Moses’ death, and the Lord’s command is clear: be strong and courageous, not because you are fearless, but because God’s presence goes with you. The people cross the Jordan on dry ground, a reminder that the same God who parted the Red Sea still leads His people forward. Stones are stacked as memorials so no one forgets what the Lord has done.

We see Rahab’s surprising faith, Jericho’s walls falling not by military genius but by obedience to God’s Word, and then the sobering defeat at Ai because of hidden sin. Victory and failure sit side by side, teaching Israel that success in the land depends not on strength, but on covenant faithfulness. When the sin is exposed and dealt with, the Lord restores them, and Ai falls.

Joshua 1–8 shows us that entering God’s promise requires courage rooted in obedience. God keeps His Word. But He also calls His people to walk in holiness. And it points us to Jesus, the greater Joshua, who leads His people into the true rest, conquers our enemies, and deals decisively with the sin that would otherwise destroy us.

If you haven’t read Joshua 1–8 yet, pause and do that now, then come back and let’s read it together.

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