Joshua

This history, origins, and contents of Joshua are examined.

Introduction

The book of Joshua is named for the most well known member of the Israelite generation that entered the Promised Land. Joshua was Moses' servant and replaced him as leader after his death. It is a fitting title of the book, as it follows the conquest of the Promised Land by Israel, led by Joshua.
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History of the Book

Joshua is the 6^th book of the Bible in both the Christian and Jewish canon. As the first of the historical books, Joshua serves as a bridge between the books of law and the history of Israel.
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Authorship

No author is given for the book of Joshua. Many believe the book was written by Joshua himself since Joshua 18:9 and Joshua 24:25 tell us Joshua wrote under the instruction of God. The vivid detail throughout the book suggests the person who recorded the book was someone who was an eye witness to the events and knew Joshua well. The common thought is that Joshua wrote most of the book with Eleazar and Phineas—the son and grandson of Aaron, respectively—finishing the book.^[1][2]
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Date Written

If Joshua or one of his contemporaries wrote the book, it must have been written during his lifetime or shortly thereafter. Joshua is thought to have died in 1380bc which would place the date of authorship sometime during the 14^th century bc (probably after 1380, since Joshua's death is recorded). With references to the Sidonians, we can be confident the book was written before 1100bc. Also since the Philistines are not a problem in the book, it had to be written before they invaded in 1200bc.^[1]
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Message & Purpose

Joshua picks up right where Deuteronomy leaves off: Joshua's assumption of leadership and the Israelite's entry to the Promised Land. This book details the battles fought to obtain the land and marks the beginning of the nation at home.

The book has been compared to a land grant of the era with God acting as the suzerain. This makes sense because the land was in fact granted to Israel from God.

Like the Books of Law, the book of Joshua will show us more of the struggle Israel had with faith. The renewal of the covenant by the new generation is also discussed. This should remind us to be mindful of our own struggles, because no matter how much God does for us, we are prone to doubt. We must strive to keep our faith!
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People Discussed in Deuteronomy

Prominent Individuals

Moses

Moses is the primary character in Exodus, as well as the author of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and Numbers). While many others had the pleasure of speaking with God before Moses, he is the first to be in God's undisguised physical presence.

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Other Individuals

Some of these people were mentioned for genealogies. Others play a larger role in future books.

1. Achan
2. Achsah
3. Adonizedek
4. Caleb
5. Debir
6. Hoham
7. Jabin
8. Japhia
9. Jobab
10. Piram

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References

1. MacDonald, William. Believer's Bible Commentary. pg. 237-239. 1995
2. Holman Bible Publishers. Holman KJV Study Bible. pg. 359-362. 2014
3. "Suzerain". Merriam Webster. 2016