THE BOOK O F JOSHUA, which derives its title from the name of its chief character, begins after the death of Moses and continues until the death and burial of Joshua. Its narratives recount how Joshua leads the people of Israel across the Jordan River into the land promised to the ancestors, takes possession of that land, divides it among the tribes, and leads them in swearing allegiance to the covenant. Many of these narratives, such as the story of Rahab and the spies and the conquest of Jericho, are well known.