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Joshua – Why Was Joshua Written?
Why was the book of Joshua written? Why is it included in the canon of acceptable books? The answers are hopefully far more interesting than the questions. The answers are not just a technical rehash but a theological reminder of God’s purposes, promises, and even procedures. And in reminding the readers, all can once again be awed by God and His inspired book called the Bible.
Why was the book of Joshua written? Literary etiology asks and answers causation. What is in the mind of the author as he collects and organizes his facts? This causation forms the structure. Sometimes the purpose is stated, but not always. Even when stated, there is usually unrevealed purposes. History is what it is, but its interpretation and application add dimensions.
Every Biblical book has three time periods:
- When it happens
- When it is written
- When it is read
First and foremost, Joshua is a historical book. The Jews place it under the heading “Former Prophets.” As we will later see, there is an unintended application in that Jewish designation that connects to its canonicity. For the Jews, they correctly understand that a prophet can “forthtell” and foretell. Joshua does a little of the latter, but more of the former. Since God is the ultimate author of all the books of the Tanakh and the New Testament, we will see the method of prophecy called, “type” and “anti-type” employed.
There are many events in Joshua, which are the historical realities that the author records for the reader, with a specific purpose in mind. The overall purpose is that in conquering the land of Canaan, God keeps His promises (21.43-45). The structure of the record though suggests another coinciding purpose – Joshua is God’s Choice to Succeed Moses. This theme permeates the book from beginning to end. It begins by with Yahweh speaking directly to Joshua.
Here is a list of similarities between Joshua and Moses with the scriptural notations for Joshua included:
- Joshua is declared Moses’ successor (1.5; 4.14);
- God speaks to both Moses and Joshua (1:1);
- Both send spies into Canaan (2.1);
- Waters are divided by both: Red Sea – Jordan River (3);
- Memorial: Passover – Stones (4);
- Connection to Egypt (5.9);
- Moses celebrates the first in Egypt and in the wilderness and Joshua celebrates the last Passover in the wilderness and the first for the new generation (5);
- Holy Ground (5.13-15);
- Miracle worker (10.14);
- Covenant maker (24.25).
- And the whole book shows Joshua following in the steps of Moses as military leader.
The book of Joshua closes with Joshua making a farewell speech which is what Deuteronomy is. Joshua is the new Moses.
The very last part of the book closes with Joshua’s death and burial, along with Eleazar, the son of Aaron and High Priest. This recalls the import put on the death and burial of Moses and Aaron. And interestingly, the book includes the notation that Joseph’s bones were buried. Moses brought these out when Israel left Egypt (Ex.13.19).
Just as Joshua succeeded Moses, Jesus succeeds Moses and Joshua. Joshua and Jesus both mean “savior.” This is seen in Hebrews 4:8 where the KJV correctly has “Jesus” for “Joshua” because that is what the Greek says. Modern translations change it to “Joshua” to remove any confusion. Jesus is the new Joshua.
Jesus is greater than both Moses and Joshua. God speaks to Jesus. Jesus sends out His disciples (70 and the 12); Jesus has a connection to Egypt; is the Passover; and is Holy Ground Himself so that John is unworthy to until His sandals; Jesus is a great miracle work; and a covenant maker. Jesus is a great military leader against spiritual forces.
So when seeing Jesus, we see someone greater than Moses and Joshua. That is one of the purposes of the book of Joshua – to see Jesus.
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