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- Old Testament
Book of Joshua
Pronunciation:
Authorship and Origin:
Joshua tells the story of Moses' successor, Joshua, son of Nun, as leader of the Israelites,
and narrates the conquest of Canaan and the division of the country among the twelve tribes
of Israel. The author of Joshua is unknown, but whomever it was, they speak as an eyewitness
of the events described. Some scholars have suggested that the author may have been
Phinehas, son and successor of the high priest at Joshua's time. Also, Phinehas is the last
individual mentioned in the book and was a prominent leader at the time. The events recorded
in the book happened after the Exodus, and other events in the previous books of Moses.
Although it is uncertain, the best estimate of the time when Joshua led the people across
the Jordan, is in the spring of 1406 B.C..
Overview and Significant sections
This book is a historical narrative and like other Old Testament books, material is presented
to fit the author's theme. Joshua was recognized early as a military leader under Moses, and
may have even served in the Egyptian army as an officer. Military rolls of the Egyptians
show the officers frequently included multiple nationalities. Josephus, the first century
Jewish historian, recorded a tradition that Joshua once led the Egyptian army against
the Ethiopians. Joshua was one of only two adults who lived to leave Egypt and later enter
Canaan (the promised land). (Caleb was the other). He won this privilege by his faithfulness to the Lord. Joshua
showed himself to be a brilliant military leader, and set an example of obedience to the
Lord during his lifetime of 110 years.
Canaan, the promised land, held mixed peoples who were warlike, and in some ways more
advanced than the Israelites. The cities were strong and in most cases surrounded by
walls, which made the conquest of Canaan difficult. We can learn much from Joshua's
example today.
Significant sections:
- The new commander prepared - Joshua
1:1-1:18
- Israel prepared to move in.(Rahab and the spies, crossing the Jordan)
2:1-5:12
- The Central Campaign (Jericho (the walls came a tumblin..)
5:13-9:27
- The Northern and Southern Campaigns
10:1-12:24
- The Land Divided
13:1-24:31
For more detailed study:
Read Chapter 1. (the entire book is available starting here.)
The Concise Matthew Henry Commentary on this book.
bible.org introduction of this book.
the World Wide Study Bible has Dictionary, Commentary, Scripture and sermons available
on this book.
