READ IT! - Introduction to Joshua 1-2

Introduction to Joshua 1-2

The Deuteronomistic History

The Deuteronomistic History is made up of:

Joshua

Judges

1st Samuel

2nd Samuel

1st Kings

2nd Kings

The Deuteronomistic History is a collection of many different stories written by many different people. These stories cover events in Israel’s history between the time of their entry into Canaan to their exile to Babylon. These many stories were compiled by an historian (redactor) who put them into one work. This historian is known as the “Deuteronomistic Historian” because he arranged all of these stories with connections he made with the book of Deuteronomy.

Themes

Leadership

Joshua holds many diverse tribes together in unity his entire life

The name “Joshua” means “Yahweh is Salvation.”

Israel was more faithful to him than they were to Moses

Joshua was a better leader than most of Israel’s future kings

The Land

The land is understood as Israel’s inheritance

The land is frequently described as a rich and good land

God ultimately decides which tribe gets what land

God is faithful to Israel and gives Israel land

Israel is not always faithful to God and does not get all the land they wanted

The Divine Warrior

The text says that God himself fought for Israel

The victory of “The Divine Warrior” is inevitable and complete, as seen when God destroys seven pagan nations

Everything conquered by God is devoted to God

Comparing Joshua and Moses

Send Spies into the Land (Num. 13:1-3; Josh. 2:1)

Led Israelites Across Body of Water (Ex. 14-15; Josh. 3-4)

Theophany Experience (Ex 3:1-6; Josh 5:13-15)

Role of Intercessor (Ex 32:11-12; Josh. 7:7-10)

Lifting Sword/Staff in Battle (Ex 17:10-13; Josh 8:18, 26)

Conquerors of Territory (Num. 21; Josh. 1-12)

Farewell Addresses (Deut. 4-30; Josh. 23-24)

Comparing Joshua and Judges

Joshua should not be read on its own, but in the context of the surrounding books.

The Book of Judges has a very different take on the conquest of the land, saying that many of the cities that were on the list of conquered cities in Joshua weren't actually conquered... this could also possibly explain why little to no detail is given on the battles that would have taken place to conquer them. Some passages of Joshua also seem to agree more with Judges when they say that it actually took a really long time to conquer much of the land.

Elsewhere in the Bible also seems to lean more towards a Book of Judges version of the entering of the Israelites into Canaan...

“They did not destroy the peoples

    as the LORD had commanded them,

but they mingled with the nations

    and adopted their customs.”

-- Psalm 106:34

The two versions of history in Joshua and Judges exist to balance each other out. Joshua represents Israel’s complete success. Judges represents Israel’s complete failure. The truth emerges when the two histories are told together.

Chapter 1

In Joshua chapter one, land is given to the Israelites. We see God’s role when he says, “I will give you this land.” But we also see Joshua’s responsibility when God tells him “You will lead these people” and “Be strong and courageous.” Ironically, there is a strong lack of military language and strategy throughout the book of Joshua.

First, directions are given to the Transjordan tribes. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan River.

Then we also see a transfer of leadership take place, with Joshua seen as the legitimate successor of Moses. God says, “As I was with Moses so I will be with you.” And the people say, “Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.”

Chapter 2

In chapter two, we have the story of Rahab and the spies. Joshua sends spies from Shittim. And he told them to look over the land, especially Jericho. But the Spies go to Rahab’s house…who is…a prostitute?

Here, there’s a possible connection to Num. 25:1-3, which says “while Israel was at Shittim, the men committed harlotry with Moabite women.”

However, Rahab is seen as a heroine and a Savior figure:

Rahab hid the spies when the king’s guards came looking for them

She let the spies down the wall with a rope

She told the spies to hide in the hills for three days

She also gives a Confessional statement, saying:

“I know that the LORD has given you this land…”

“The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”

“Spare the lives of my family.”

The spies told her to let down a red cord from her window as a sign of protection.

Rahab is remembered in both Jewish and Christian tradition.

Hebrews 11:31 says:

“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

In Matthew 1:5, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.

And Jesus’ brother James wrote:

“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”

According to the Talmud, there was a rumor among the rabbis that Rahab married Joshua and became the ancestor of eight prophets.