Joshua 8 tells how God gave Israel victory over Ai after their earlier defeat, using an ambush and the sign of the javelin. It ends with Joshua building an altar on Mount Ebal and reading the law to all the people.

Joshua 7 recounts Israel's defeat at Ai because Achan violated the ban on devoted things. God exposes Achan's sin, and he and his household are judged, turning away God's anger.

Joshua 6 tells how Israel conquered Jericho by marching around the city for seven days, shouting as the walls fell. Rahab and her family were spared because she had hidden the spies, and the city was devoted to destruction.

Joshua 5 records Israel's first acts in the land: circumcising the new generation, keeping Passover at Gilgal, and eating the land's produce as manna ceased. It closes with Joshua meeting the commander of Yahweh's army and being told the ground is holy.

Joshua 4 recounts Israel's complete crossing of the Jordan on dry ground and the setting up of twelve stones as a memorial. It emphasizes that future generations would ask about the stones and be told how Yahweh dried up the river, so all peoples might know His hand is mighty.

Joshua 3 recounts Israel's crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground. God exalts Joshua, instructs the priests to carry the ark into the water, and stops the river so the whole nation can pass over.

Joshua secretly sends two spies to Jericho, and a prostitute named Rahab hides them from the king's men. She confesses that Yahweh has given the land to Israel and asks for a sign that her family will be spared when the city falls.