: H. L. Ellison, I. Howard Marshall, J. Stafford Wright
: The Historical Books Joshua to Esther
: Creative 4 International
: 9781909680258
: 1
: CHF 3.20
:
: Christentum
: English
: 288
: DRM
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
The historical books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1& 2 Samuel, 1& 2 Kings, 1& 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther) tell the story of the Jewish people from the time they entered Canaan; the united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon; the division of the kingdom; and the captivity by the Assyrians and, later, by the Babylonians. The historical books end with some of the Jews in Babylon returning to Jerusalem. Included are the stories of two unique women: Ruth and Esther. The Open Your Bible Commentary was written to encourage daily Bible study. Although each reading is short, the content is rich with careful explanation, devotional warmth, and practical relevance. More than 200 daily readings let you explore the historical books in depth. The commentary for each of the 12 historical books is introduced by an overview, summary, outline, key themes, and relevance of that book for today.

Joshua

TAKING THE LAND

OVERVIEW

After Moses’ death, Joshua (“the Lord saves”) succeeds Moses as leader of the Israelites. His task to lead them into the Promised Land was not easy. Canaan was occupied by many independent states and fortified cities. It was therefore only through dependence on God that he could lead God’s people to claim their inheritance.

SUMMARY

Call

With Moses dead, God called Joshua to his new task (1:1-2), promising him success (1:3-5) and challenging him to be courageous and obedient (1:6-9). Joshua then prepared the Israelites (1:10-18) and sent spies to reconnoitre Jericho (2:1-24).

Crossing

The spies had forded the river the previous day (2:23), but it was now in flood (3:15), which the Canaanites probably interpreted as Baal (their weather god) protecting them. God told the priests to carry the ark into the river, and as they did, the water stopped so people could cross (3:14-17). Stones were erected to remember what God had done (4:1-24).

Circumcision

Before fighting, the men needed circumcising (something neglected in the wilderness) to remind them they were God’s people (5:2-9). Once the Passover was celebrated (5:10-12) they were ready for battle. Joshua was reminded that this was God’s battle (5:13-15).

Conquest

Joshua began by capturing cities along the road that cut Canaan into two. Jericho was taken, not by fighting but through a noisy religious procession (6:1-27). Moving west, they found themselves unexpectedly defeated at Ai (7:1-9). The reason was sin: Achan had taken plunder from Jericho designated for God alone. With his sin exposed (7:10-26), Ai was taken (8:1-35).

In phase two, Joshua turned south. The Gibeonites tricked Israel into becoming allies (9:1-27) and five Amorite kings marched against them (10:1-6). God miraculously defeated them (10:7-15), allowing Joshua to conquer the rest of the south (10:16-43).

In phase three, Joshua turned north, defeating the King of Hazor and his allies (11:1-23). The conquest was now over, some 30 years after it began, and God allocated land to each tribe (13:8–21:45), but pockets of resistance remained for many years (13:1-7).

For map of the division of the land into tribal territories, see TRIBAL TERRITORIES.

Covenant

The conquest over, Joshua made his farewell speech (23:1-16) and led the people in an act of covenant renewal (24:1-27), reminding Israel of all