Historical Books Project: Book Overview Assignment
Malcolm Short
Bibl 310: Old Testament Historical Books
Oct 6, 2022
Book Introduction
A. Summary statement:
God commissions Joshua to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.
After he leads a successful conquest, the tribes of Israel divide the land among
themselves, and God renews His covenant with them. B. Theme:
This book records the fulfillment of God’s promise to the ancestors of the
Israelites to deliver their descendants into the Promised Land.
C. Setting:
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a. Historical setting (the time in which this book occurred and also when it
was written if the times differ):
Since an eyewitness predominately wrote the book of Joshua, the time in which
the events took place would be similar to when the book was authored. Research shows
that the conquest of Canaan was completed around 1399B.C.; in turn, the book could have
been completed soon after that.1
b. Geographical setting (where this book takes place):
This book takes place in the ancient land of Canaan, which has become
modernday Israel.
Book Outline
A. Major Sections:
Commission of Joshua- After his predecessor Moses dies, Joshua becomes the
leader of the Israelites after being commissioned by God. Joshua begins preparing them
for the upcoming conquest as they pack their belongings and the Israelites vow to follow
him as they did Moses.
Conquest of Canaan- After scouting the land, the Israelites have the confidence to
overtake the inhabitants of Canaan. They are circumcised and partake in a Passover Meal.
Now with the mark of the covenant, they successfully take Jericho.
The Allotment for the Tribes- When the nation of Israel conquers the inhabitants
of Canaan, the tribes divide the land and its resources amongst the twelve tribes.
Covenant Renewal- Joshua invites the tribes to reaffirm their faith in the God of
their ancestors. He reminds them of their covenantal responsibilities to God. Ultimately,
Walton states, “Joshua’s actions at Shechem place a final stamp on the past (the exodus
and conquest) and signal a future in which the people will settle in the Promised Land.”2
1 Donald K. Campbell, “Joshua,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 326.
2 Walton, John H., et al. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament: Old Testament
(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 241.
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B. Major Figures: choose 3 – 4 major figures of the book and write a short biography
of each of them (at least 50-words each). The third phase of this project will later
focus on one of these figures
Joshua- Joshua, the son of Nun, held the number two position in Israel under
Moses. After Moses’ death, God naturally commissioned Joshua to continue the work He
started with Moses. Dallaire states, “God addresses Joshua and infuses him with the drive
to lead boldly and to manage courageously the huge undertaking of conquering the
land.”3
Rahab- Rahab, a prostitute in the land of Jericho, played a significant role in
Israel’s conquest. When Joshua sent two spies to scout the land, she took them in and hid
them so they would not be harmed. She told the men that everyone in her town was aware
of what God had done for the nation of Israel, so she knew they would successfully
overtake the land. As a result, she made a pact with them to spare her and her family
because of her kindness, which was honored during the conquest.
God- During the book of Joshua, God delivered the people of Israel to the
Promised Land He swore to Abraham. His faithfulness shines in this book when you
consider the significant obstacles overcome to arrive at this point. Throughout Israel’s
shortcomings and rebellion, God’s mercy and grace carried them to the land He promised.
Placement in Canon
A. Your book’s contribution to the Old Testament:
The events in Joshua are integral to the Old Testament as it reveals the origin of
Israel’s rightful place in the land promised by God. He uses this land to ensure Israel’s
prosperity to usher in His redeemer.
B. Your book’s contribution to the overall canon of Scripture:
The result of the conquest of Canaan led to the survival of the descendants of
Abraham. Paul notes to the people of Antioch in Pisidia that God destroyed seven nations
3 Helene Dallaire, Joshua (Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2017), 78.
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in the fulfillment of His promise that took place in the Book of Joshua (Acts 13:19). To
the first-century Jews and Christians, this act was understood as an integral part of the
history and existence of their tribes.
God as the Main Character
God’s faithfulness is apparent in the Book of Joshua as He sustains a promise
made centuries before to their ancestor, Abraham. Through Israel’s rebellion and
disobedience, He gave the inhabitants of Canaan over to them because of His continued
grace for humanity. An important note is that He had the nation renew their covenantal
agreement before the conquest of Canaan so they would be consecrated and set apart for
His glory. The mark of circumcision continued to serve as a reminder that He alone is in
control.
Application for Today
The Book of Joshua is an impactful reminder that God delivers on His promises.
We serve a faithful God who sustains His people. Through this promise to Abraham,
fulfilled in Joshua, His broken people eventually received grace through Jesus Christ. As
a result, we can have surety in a never-changing God. We can trust His guidance and
know that if we choose righteousness and accept His gift of salvation, we will be saved
from the evils of this world.
A. Write 3 – 5 discussion questions you would include for a Sunday School class or
small group to discuss when studying your selected historical book.
1. Why did Rahab betray her people?
2. Why did God have Joshua circumcise the men of Israel before entering the
Promised Land?
3. Why did the Angel of the Lord appear to Joshua before the conquest of Canaan?
4. Do you believe the Israelites dealt justly with Achan’s family?
Bibliography
Dallaire, Helene. Joshua. Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2017.
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Campbell, Donald K.. “Joshua,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of
the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor
Books, 1985.
Walton, John H., et al. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament: Old
Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
