Joshua Dramatized - First 5 Chapters

Experience the powerful and dramatic retelling of Joshua’s journey as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land! This script brings to life the first five chapters of the Book of Joshua, capturing God’s call to Joshua, the crossing of the Jordan, Rahab’s daring act of faith, and the miraculous fall of Jericho. Designed for flexibility, this piece can be performed as a Readers Drama or a full-scale production with optional sets and costumes. Cast size is adaptable, allowing performers to take on multiple roles as needed.

• Run Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
• Cast Size: 3 or more, flexible (adaptable to available performers)
• Biblical Reference: Joshua 1-5

Sample of script:

Scene 1: God's Call to Joshua

VOG: Joshua! Joshua, son of Nun! Answer me!

JOSHUA: Who is it? Who is speaking?

VOG: It is I, the Lord God Almighty. Listen to me, Joshua, there is much you need to hear.

JOSHUA: Very well, I am not sure why You would speak to me.

VOG: My obedient servant, Moses, is dead. You have been Moses’ assistant, and now it will be your duty to assume Moses’ responsibilities. I want you to prepare My people, Israel, and lead them as they cross the Jordan River.

JOSHUA: That is a huge task. Am I up to such a task?

VOG: I will be with you, Joshua. Just as I promised My support to Moses, so I assure you that I will always be with you. I promised this land to Moses. I will lead you into the land. You will take all of the land presently occupied by the Hittite people; from the Negev to the Lebanon mountains, from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea.

JOSHUA: I know You are great and mighty, but are You sure we can be successful against these armies?

VOG: As long as you live, no one will be able to oppose you. Be strong and bold, but remember—you must always follow My instructions, obeying the laws which I gave you through Moses. If you do these things, you will have success in all you do.

JOSHUA: We have the Book of the Laws.

VOG: Keep it with you. In all your deliberations, keep its principles in mind. And I repeat myself because it is of great importance: be strong and bold! You have no reason for fear or discouragement, for I will be with you at all times.

(Joshua moves to another acting location.)

Scene 2: Joshua Addresses the Leaders

JOSHUA: All of the captains of the tribes of Israel, come here. I have important news for you!

(Several people come on stage, bow, and listen to Joshua.)

JOSHUA: The Lord has spoken to me. I have been appointed by God to replace Moses. God has promised that He will be with me, just as He was with Moses.

LEADER 1: Are you sure? Are you very sure He would be with you as He was with Moses? Did God actually say that?

LEADER 2: Our people are concerned.

LEADER 3: If God has given His promise, we will be fine.

JOSHUA: God told me to remind all of you—the Lord has given you the land across the river. Now we must prepare to cross that river just three days from now. There is much to do and to get ready.

LEADER REUBEN: And what of us, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh? We have been given the land here on this side of the river.

JOSHUA: You too are needed. You will leave your wives, children, and cattle here while all of your men in full battle dress lead the other tribes across the river to conquer the land that God has given to us. After our land has been claimed, then you will return here to settle in this land.

LEADER GAD: We will do as you ask and go where you send us, obeying you as we did Moses when he was God’s appointed leader. May your Lord God be with you, just as He was with Moses. Anyone who is against you will likewise be our enemy. Be strong and bold!

JOSHUA: I praise God for your strong support. Now go and get ready—in three days, we will cross over to our homeland!

(Leaders leave. Joshua walks to a spot where two men are sitting.)

Scene 3: The Spies and Rahab

JOSHUA: You two, come here! Quietly! Now listen carefully, I have a very special and secret task for you. Tell no one where you are going or what your mission is. I want you to go across the river and find out the state of the enemy. I am particularly interested in knowing about Jericho. When you have gathered your information, report back directly to me, no one else.

(Two actors leave and move to Rahab’s house set, knocking on the door.)

SPY 1: We need accommodation for the night in your inn.

RAHAB: Accommodation in my inn? Don’t you Israelites know me, my reputation? I am Rahab. Rahab the prostitute, they call me!

SPY 2: Why should that matter to us? And how do you know we are Israelites?

RAHAB: Oh, yes, you are Israelites all right. And you have come to spy, to find if you can destroy our armies and take this land which was promised to your leader Moses by your God.

SPY 1: Woman, how do you know this?

RAHAB: Everyone knows! The king himself sent word to me to send you to him. He called you spies.

SPY 2: We need to get out of here, quickly!

RAHAB: Don’t be concerned, I told them that you had left at dusk through the city gates, and that I had no idea where you had gone. The fools are chasing throughout the countryside looking for you as we speak!

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