The book Joshua describes the early stages of Israel's entry into the 'Promised Land'.
In a very fine passage we read of Israel's conviction that God
had promised to grant them the Promised Land and that he would
be an ever present help to their leader Joshua, provided that
he remained loyal to God.
Joshua 1.vv.1-9
It is difficult, and probably impossible now, to verify the details
of Joshua's campaigns, nor is it of great importance. One incident,
however, is very interesting. However much the story may be exaggerated
(the 'entire nation'), it is certain that the river Jordan was
as liable to be dammed up as to flowing. Some such remarkable
event appears to have happened as described in this passage and
a memorial instituted to this saving event.
Joshua 4.vv.1-9
There follows an idealised account of the proportioning of the land among the tribes of Israel; but whereas we read here that the whole land of Canaan (Palestine) was conquered and settled, the book of 'Judges' makes it plain that the conquest was partial, piecemeal and of longer duration than Joshua's career.
Joshua's farewell speech, recapitulating God's saving acts, is
a masterly summary of Israel's blessings and of warnings to them
to heed their future conduct.
Joshua 21.vv.43-45, and 24.vv.14-18