Introduction to the Book of Joshua

The book of Joshua is, at least in parts, ancient. Early Jewish and Christian scholars supposed it to have been written by Joshua himself or under his directions; but in its present form the book seems to be a compilation and revision of narratives, written a few centuries after the conquest of Canaan. So close, however, is the resemblance between this work and the five books of Moses that it has often been classed with them, and instead of the pentateuch or fivefold holy writings, scholars have spoken of the hexateuch or six holy books.

The narrative in Joshua serves as a natural conclusion to the works of Moses, as well as a natural introduction to the historical books that follow. It tells of the first entry into the promised land, of the conquest of the territory, and of its division among the tribes of Israel. Thus we find in Joshua the fulfilment of the prophecies of the pentateuch; and we find also the first suggestions of the Hebrews' later entanglements, and of the punishments which they had been forewarned must follow upon sin.

Structurally the book divides itself into three parts. The first twelve chapters tell in a single vigorous, swift-flowing narrative of the successive triumpns of Joshua, the miraculous crossing of the Jordan, the downfall of Jericho, the overthrow of Ai, the submission of Gibeon, the conquest of the southern kings and then of those of the north. Chapters thirteen to twenty-one are wholly different; they describe the partition of the land among the tribes of Israel. This topographical survey is so minute and so complete that it forms in itself perhaps the most valuable and interesting geographical document that has come down to us from ancient times. The majority of the cities mentioned and localities described can still be recognized. Then comes the closing portion of the book, which does for Joshua what Deuteronomy does for Moses, gives an account of his farewell to his people, his final passionate appeals to them for obedience to God, and then his death.

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Joshua in the Sanctuary

BY J. JAMES TISSOT. REPRODUCED BY COURTESY

OF THE AMERICAN TISSOT SOCIETY, NEW YORK.

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"Now after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, the son of Nun."-Jos., 1, 1.

J

OSHUA is the hero and central figure of the book

that bears his name, the leader chosen by God Him

self to be the successor of Moses and to guide the Israelites in their wars for the possession of the promised land. Hence we are apt to think of Joshua mainly as the hardy warrior, the daring general, the wise judge and ruler of his people. Yet among Bible students Joshua is most celebrated for none of these things, but for his faithfulness, his utter lack of selfishness or vainglory. Joshua had been the personal attendant of Moses, and had learned from his master something of the latter's intense devotion to Israel and disregard of self.

There is no evidence that Joshua ever thought of becoming Moses' successor. Others might have been chosen for the leadership as well as he, Caleb the lionhearted, or Phinehas the vigorous son of the high-priest. Indeed when Joshua was appointed by God, he in his simple heart doubted his own ability for the great office. God reassures him constantly. The first divine command to Joshua is "Be strong and of good courage." After Moses' death the new leader's first act was to seek counsel of God in the sanctuary; and there he was again bidden be strong, "for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."