The Book of Joshua does not explicitly name its author. More than likely Joshua the son of Nun, the successor of Moses as leader over Israel, penned much of this book. The latter part of the book was written by at least one other person after the death of Joshua. It is also possible that several sections were edited / compiled following Joshua’s death.
#1 - TITLE
As the book of Genesis begins the first division of the Hebrew OT known as Pentateuch, the book of Joshua is the first of the second division, known as prophets.
The English title comes from the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, which named the books by their contents rather than their opening words.
The name of the book is derived from its hero “Joshua” which means “YHWH is salvation” but originally his name was Hoshea (Num. 13: 8, 16).
Joshua was one of the outstanding persons of the OT: assistant to Moses, one of the twelve spies, successful general.
The book rightly bears his name, but in the end it must be realized that the book is not about Joshua – it is about God.
#2 - AUTHORSHIP
Jewish tradition regards Joshua, Moses’ successor, as the author of the book that bears his name.
Though it was written from the standpoint of an eye witness, nowhere in the book it was claimed that Joshua was the author.
But the reference Josh. 24: 26, states that “Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God”
#3 - CONTENT
The book of Joshua is both a climax and a new beginning. It records the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham concerning the gift of the land of Canaan.
Further the book highlights the beginning of a long life for the people of Israel in that land.
#4 - LITERARY FORMS
The literary form of Joshua is a series of independent narratives, descriptions of tribal boundaries and lists of towns.
The book of Joshua divides neatly into two principal sections: chapters 1-12 record the conquest; chapters 13-24 describe the assignment of tribal territories and the dispersal of the tribes throughout the land of promise.
#5 - MAJOR THEMES
The Book of Joshua does not explicitly name its author. More than likely Joshua the son of Nun, the successor of Moses as leader over Israel, penned much of this book. The latter part of the book was written by at least one other person after the death of Joshua. It is also possible that several sections were edited / compiled following Joshua’s death.
Covenant and Land
The central point around Israel’s perception of herself as the covenant people is the land, which God had promised to Abraham.
The delivery of that land into the hands of Israel is the focus of the book of Joshua.
Forever after, the land is viewed in the history and literature of Israel as evidence of God’s having chosen her as his covenant people.
The book of Joshua has a great theological significance which demonstrates in its narratives that the Lord was keeping the covenant promise that he made to Abraham.
Sovereign Intervention
The book insisted that the Lord sovereignly intervene in the history in order to execute his plan and carry out his promise.
The Exodus and the conquest represent the first great demonstration of the sovereignty of God in the history of Israel.
OUTLINE
Josh 1-5 – Call of Joshua, Entering Canaan through the Jordan
Josh 6-12 – the conquest of Canaan
Josh 13-22 – dividing the land among the tribes
Josh 22-24 – settlement and establishment, last days of Joshua
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