Date: ca. 1350 BC
Contents
This book picks up where the book of Deuteronomy leaves off. Joshua took over leadership from Moses. He was one of the spies, along with Caleb, who had then urged the unwilling nation of Israel to enter the promised land of Canaan. Now, 40 years later, the people would move in.
Mainly 3 campaigns are described. The greatest campaigns pass through the cities of Jericho and Ai, and it ends with the treaty made at Gibeon.
The conquests of the 3 cities provide food for thought:
1. The fall of the city of Jericho shows the power of God,
2. The city of Ai shows the wages of sin,
3. The treaty of Gibeon shows the folly of man.
Two centuries later, what a disastrous decision it would be for the people to let the Canaanites stay in the land.
In the southern campaign, Joshua faces a coalition of 5 kings led by Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem. By the direct help of God he knows how to defeat them.
The Northern campaign means the downfall of Jabin, king of Hazor. After that, the battle was over (11:23). The people settle in the land, which is divided among the 12 tribes.
Theological Themes
This book contains many important topics. As in the earlier books, GOD is central. God is God and His will is done. His power, His dominion over nature and history are evident. The holiness of God is evident in the judgment that befalls the Canaanites, who had filled up the measure of sin, while the nation of Israel is also punished when they sin. God is an impartial judge, who does not put one above another. This book highlights the importance of human involvement in the work of God. God could have chosen to directly defeat His enemies Himself, but He did not. He used Joshua and the people of Israel. They made decisions, marched through the promised land, fought and built cities.
GOD carried out His will through their actions. It is important to keep in mind this connection of the two things: God works and we work.
Finally, one more thing stands out: the need to make the right choices. The choice for the new inhabitants of Canaan was: Whom shall we serve? God or the gods of Canaan? Joshua made the right choice for the people. It is an example for us, for even today there are countless false gods.
Main features
1. The time of preparation (1:1-2:24),
2. The Entry into the Land (3:1-5:15),
3. The Conquest of Canaan (6:1-12:24),
4. The division of the land (13:1-21:45),
5. Settlement under the leadership of Joshua (22:1-24:33).
