THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS
Introduction:
The Historical Books of the Old Testament, usually so called, are twelve in number, from Joshua to Esther inclusive. It should, however, be remembered that the entire Old Testament is filled with historical material. The accuracy of these writings, often questioned, has been in recent years completely confirmed by the testimony of the monuments of contemporaneous antiquity.
The story of the Historical Books is the story of the rise and fall of the Commonwealth of Israel, while the prophets foretell the future restoration and glory of that under King Messiah. — Scofield.
For a more complete introduction to this book see John Gill’s Expositor.
Author: Uncertain, probably Joshua
Leading Topic: The Conquest and Division of the Land of Canaan.
Key Thought: How to be successful in Life, Joshua 1:8-9.
Historical Analysis:
1) The Invasion of the Land, Joshua 1:1–5:15.
2) The Fall of Jericho, Joshua 6.
3) The Battle at Ai, and Israel at Ebal and Gerizim, Joshua 7:1–8:35.
4) The Conquest of the South, Joshua 10.
5) The Conquest of the North and the list of kings smitten, Joshua 11:1–12:24.
6) The Division of the Land, appointment of Cities of Refuge, etc. Joshua 13:1–22:34.
a. The Cities of Refuge were a refuge from “the avenger of blood,” Exodus 21:13-14; Numbers 35:11-32; Deuteronomy 4:41-43; 19:2-13; Joshua 20:1-6.
b. List of Cities of Refuge, Joshua 20:7-9.
c. Figurative of Christ, Hebrews 6:18, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
7) The Farewell Address and the Death of Joshua, Joshua 23:1–24:33.
Suggested Lesson: The certainty of the fulfillment of the Divine Purposes as seen:
1) In the judgments coming upon the Canaanites because of their awful sins.
2) In the descendants of Abraham being given possession of the land according to God’s promise, Genesis 12:7, “And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.”