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| Index: > A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
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| First Prev [ 1 2 3 ] Next Last |
| Books of Nevi'im |
| First Prophets |
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| Joshua |
| Judges |
| Samuel |
| Kings |
| Latter Prophets |
| Isaiah |
| Jeremiah |
| Ezekiel |
| Minor Prophets |
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Bible.
It contains a history of the Israelites from the death of Moses to that of Joshua. It consists of three parts:
This book stands first in the second of the three sections, (1) the Law, (2) the Prophets, (3) the "other writings" (or Hagiographa), into which the Jews divided the Old Testament. The authorship of the book is traditionally assigned to Joshua, but some think the last verses (24:29-33) were added by some other hand. Modern scholarship does not accept Joshua as the author of the book.
This book resembles the Acts of the Apostles in the number and variety of historical incidents it records and in its many references to persons and places.
After Moses' death, Joshua, by virtue of his previous appointment as Moses' successor, receives from God the command to cross the Jordan. In execution of this order Joshua issues the requisite instructions to the stewards of the people for the crossing of the Jordan; and he reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half of Manasseh of their pledge given to Moses to help their brethren.
Joshua sends out from Shittim two spies to explore the city of Jericho. They are saved from falling into the hands of the king by the shrewd tactics of Rahab. The spies return and report.
In chapters 3 and 4 the camp is broken at Shittim. A halt is made at the Jordan. Joshua addresses the people; assuring them that God is in the midst of them, that He will drive out the Canaanites, and that the Ark will cross the Jordan, whereupon a miraculous change will be worked in the waters of the river. The predicted miracle takes place as soon as the priests with the Ark wade into the water. In commemoration of the event, Joshua orders two monuments to be erected: one in the river-bed; the other on the west bank, at Gilgal. The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half of Manasseh number 40,000 warriors. The priests are bidden to come up out of the river's bed after the people have crossed over. This happens on the tenth day of the first month; and the camp is pitched at Gilgal.
Joshua is bidden to make flint knives wherewith to circumcise the Israelites, for those born in the desert had not been circumcised. This is done; Passover is celebrated; and the manna ceases. Joshua in front of Jericho receives the visit of a "captain of the host of the Lord" in the guise of a man, who declares that the soil on which Joshua is standing is holy ground.
After thirteen circuits?one every day for six days, and seven circuits on the seventh day?with seven priests blowing seven rams' horns and the people shouting, the walls cave in. Jericho is put under the ban; but Rahab is excepted. A curse is pronounced against any one who should rebuild the city. Joshua becomes famous throughout the whole land.
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