This time the attack against the city of Ai of successful, and it is military strategy that wins the day. Joshua sets up a surprise ambush and the city of Ai is taken.

Hubris begins to creep into the nation, and Achan succumbs to temptation. Taking some treasures of the forbidden booty, Achan is led down a path of lies, cover-up, Sabbath violation, and stealing. The people then lose their first attempt at conquering a city "on their own" and they must expose why God is no longer on their side.

The first battle of conquest on this side of the Jordan takes place. The walls of Jericho collapse after the people perform an unusual ceremony circling the city.

The people celebrate the first Passover in the new land, and Joshua has a mysterious encounter with an angel.

The people of Israel are commanded to circumcise themselves before embarking upon the conquering if the land.

God asks the people to set up a twelve stone memorial to the crossing of the Jordan River.

God performs another astounding miracle, but slowly begins His subtle retreat from overt miracles. The People of Israel need to learn that success is in their hands, though they can still have faith that God will be there as long as they follow His ways.

Joshua sends spies to check out Jericho, which will be the first major military engagement after crossing Jordan. The spies seek refuge in the home of the harlot Rahab. Rahab saves the spies from capture and they make her a deal.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and part of Mennasheh agree to keep their bargain. The people swear their allegiance to their new leader, so long as he continues his relationship with God as did his mentor Moses.

God charges Joshua to lead the people into the Land of Israel.